The challenge? How to build in an earthquake prone area and not spend everything on the structural work. The amount of square footage is modest for a 4-bedroom, 2.5 bath house but is mitigated by a walkable neighborhood near public transportation. The owners needed space for visiting family, so we designed a guest room on the main level. They also wanted an open kitchen, dining, and family room off the backyard. All this on a tight budget. The underlying challenge: deliver high quality spaces with enough left over in the budget for good quality finishes. The second floor landing, with large windows looking out onto the SF Bay, has become a favorite hangout space for them. The master bedroom suite has a small balcony that overlooks the backyard. They master shower, where they decided to splurge, features a large skylight and Carrara marble tile.
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View from the street showing the new second story addition. The shape was inspired by the traditional New England “Salt Box” style of architecture but the wide dormer and the cement plaster exterior finish give it a distinctly “California contemporary” flair
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View looking past the new detached workout/hangout accessory building, towards the rear of the main house. The master bedroom balcony is located above the family room addition
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View of the kitchen showing the custom painted cabinets, Caesarstone counters and Heath Ceramics backsplash tile.
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View showing the double height windows at the upper stair landing. This is a favorite spot to read to the children and catch views of the San Francisco Bay
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Master bathroom with a custom rift oak vanity and mirror frame and a Carrara marble shower with a large skylight above
