Tosa Village Kitchen - Luxury, Functionality, 600 lb. Steel Beam
- steve69460
- Apr 9
- 2 min read
Nestled in the heart of Wauwatosa, this home was ripe for an update to better suit a busy family and their dog. Longtime Wauwatosa residents, the homeowners sought a complete renovation of their kitchen, powder room, and back hall entry, aiming for a larger, more functional kitchen.
The existing kitchen felt dark, choppy and small. The client wanted to open up the kitchen to maximize the existing footprint. Our biggest challenge was removing a load bearing wood beam that spanned the width of the kitchen and had been encased in a dropped soffit. Simply adding another beam or keeping the existing beam would not accomplish what the client wanted.
We proposed adding a steel beam that would sit flush at ceiling height integrated seamlessly into a new level ceiling. Yes, we remove dropped wood beams and replace them with steel beams all the time. What made this unique is that the beam had been added from a previous addition to the house and supported a brick exterior wall. Working with our structural engineer, load requirements called for a 600 lb. steel beam. Due to it's size and weight, we needed to take particular care removing the old beam and relocating the new beam while maintaining structural integrity during construction and for the life of the house. Carefully lifted into place, this demanding task required precise execution by our team to maintain structural integrity.
With the structural challenge overcome, we brought the clients' vision to life. The comprehensive renovation, extending to a relocated powder room, and back entryway, culminated in a kitchen that blends luxurious elegance with everyday functionality. South-facing windows now flood the space with light, a striking contrast to its former darkness. A generous island anchors the kitchen, providing an ideal gathering space, while a former laundry room was transformed into a stunning beverage center. Arched framing creates an elegant transition to the dining area, seamlessly connecting the two spaces. This was a rewarding project, resulting in a home the family will cherish for decades.
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