Meanwhile...
While work was being done on the foundation and floor slab in the new spaces, we got busy on the existing volume. We kept the bulk of the first floor wall and floor framing, and re-framed the second floor joists to increase our ceiling height on the first floor and allow for some drop beams without compromising on a feeling of expansiveness. The existing basement stair was relocated and the new opening is visible here. On the right hand side of the photo and just out of frame is the beginning of the new vertical band of windows that will run the height of the house.