Project Description
From the very first meeting with the new Owners of this once-gracious traditional home there was a clear vision of what they wanted to achieve. We would work together and transform it from outmoded and compartmentalized into a free-flowing, light-filled expanse of interconnected living areas. An unimpeded flow of space through the Living Room, Family Room, and Kitchen, reaching out to embrace the 300+ year old Oak and giant Redwood trees in the rear yard was a top priority. Of equal importance was crafting a clean, modern aesthetic that would amplify the unconstrained feel of the new open plan layout. This Remodeling Awards application focuses on a portion of the larger overall project where the additions and remodeling at the rear of the home come together to create an integrated Living Room/Family Room/Kitchen space. In the 1st stage of the project the back wall of the existing Kitchen was removed and the space was enlarged and opened to the rear yard. In a 2nd stage of work the existing Family Room was demolished and reconstructed with a different layout, increased floor area, and a higher vaulted ceiling. The ‘crown jewel’ of the project, this expansive living area is the most dramatic element of a broader suite of alterations. And while other elements of the overall project contribute to the livability, functionality, and aesthetics of the home in varying degrees, the focus of this application is on the most spectacular transformation of them all. The project was implemented in two overlapping stages in order to minimize the delay from a complex and time-consuming governmental review process. The pre-existing home (ca. 1941) and Family Room add-on (ca. 1953) were non-conforming with respect to the local zoning ordinance that had been tightened in the year 2000. The Family Room addition required a lengthy exception process due to the zoning change that post-dated the house by decades. However, the addition and alterations at the Kitchen and Living Room were exempted so they could be put on the fast track. The two-stage strategy required careful planning to make sure the earlier and later work packages dovetailed smoothly. The Living Room and Kitchen were reviewed, permitted, and under construction while the Family Room design was still being run through the gauntlet at the Planning/zoning level. Despite the arduous and burdensome Planning review, the Building Department staff were helpful and accommodating. We were able to process and build the project using two separate, overlapping Building Permits which remained open at the same time. One notable aspect of this addition/remodel project is the spatial transformation. Beginning at a more or less conventional front entry and Foyer, there’s an unexpected transition to the openness of the living areas towards the rear of the house. The formerly dim and claustrophobic interior is now experienced as an explosion of space and light. Another key element is the dazzling use of leading-edge technologies for lighting and control systems. Being a technology professional, the Owner’s unbounded enthusiasm for the promise of emerging technologies took the project way beyond the expected. Seeing him adjust the color and brightness of the lighting in the Family Room from the back yard using voice commands to Siri on his phone is truly impressive!