Shutters provide solutions

Rethink your notions of walls and windows by taking some advice from this inventive couple.

Walls are solid and cannot be moved without a great deal of effort, right? Likewise, windows are only meant for exterior walls, particularly if they're outfitted with operable shutters, correct? In Ursula and Michael McClure's case, the answer to both these questions is no, and here's why.

Unique Challenges

Located in Baton Rouge's historic Beauregard Town, the McClures' house was in dismal shape before the couple began renovation. Originally a 1920s shotgun duplex, it had been gutted by fire and abandoned for 10 years. While most people would have considered the place unsalvageable, Michael and Ursula thought otherwise. Both being architecture professors (Ursula at Louisiana State University and Michael at University of Louisiana at Lafayette), these homeowners regarded the lack of inner structure as a clean slate for creating a contemporary residence within an established neighborhood.

Instead of dividing spaces with conventional walls, the couple wanted their home's public spaces (living room, dining room, and home office) to have the flexibility of being open or separated as needed. They accomplished this goal by installing a series of louvered doors. Located between the living and dining rooms, these doors pivot in the middle by means of upper and lower pin attachments. To maintain a continuous flow between the areas during parties, Michael and Ursula keep all the doors open. For more private occasions, the doors can be closed to create a partition. (They can also be completely removed.)

Traditional Ventilation

A bedroom, which doubles as a study, occupies the private sector of the house. Although this area is surrounded by real walls, the McClures didn't want it to be isolated. So they added an interior window that looks into the living room and can be closed off with operable shutters. Also, this opening aligns with existing windows found on opposite exterior walls. On pleasant days, the homeowners can open all three sets, allowing cross breezes.

Bare Bones

Another interesting decision resulted in keeping the interior framing, such as the ceiling and wall joists, exposed. This is most noticeable at the junction of the living room and home office. Only framing studs exist between these spaces. Instead of a designated door, the studs create multiple passageways. Thus, this see-through wall divides as well as joins these rooms.

Pretty clever for a once burned-out house that had no interior walls left.

ROBERT MARTIN

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Apr 2003
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