Residence Remodel and Addition

Kentfield, California

Mid-century modern residence built in 1960 with 1994 addition—2,955 sqft., 4 Bedrooms, 4 Baths.  Private refuge on an approx. 3/4 acre hillside forested site.

The owner requested the project be designed for construction in two separate phases.  Phase One focused upon the social spaces, particularly the Kitchen and Dining.  The existing Kitchen was a tight, complicated arrangement not suitable to the owner's preference for entertaining family and friends.  They wanted the Kitchen to be substantially enlarged.  As well, they desired opening the Kitchen for ease of movement from Entry to Dining and Living Room.  They wanted the Kitchen to be an attractive space viewed from the Entry—a space that draws one towards it.

The transformation required capturing available space at the exterior of the existing Kitchen without extending into the hillside—avoiding excavation.  As well, the solution involved raising the roof of the Kitchen and Dining areas.  

The attractively planted and natural landscaping of the East hillside directly outside the Kitchen became an integral experience, inviting the views of the exterior via a continuous ribbon of tall windows.  This has become a favorite feature of the family, as they have enjoyed watching wildlife walking across the hillside from within the Kitchen, especially while seated at the large island.

Openings from Kitchen to Dining were enlarged for a better visual connection.  One sees directly from the Kitchen through the Dining area and out an added enlarged picture window.  There are improved views of the wonderful tree-filled site from wherever one stands.  The remodeled Kitchen and Dining are now spacious and filled with natural daylighting

A new stair to the Lower Floor level replaced one that was originally tight and dark.  A new black-painted open steel guardrail becomes an almost sculptural feature between Entry and Kitchen.  The natural light from the new Kitchen skylight and East windows spill into the new stair.  

Phase Two—already Master-planned and designed—will extend the existing house further to the South, with new bedrooms for the children, converting their existing rooms into offices.  Their bathrooms will be relocated as well.  There will be a large window filled Family Room at the southernmost end—again capturing tree-filled views and natural daylighting for the experience of the family.  The Master Bedroom will be remodeled to include a larger walk-in closet.  There will be a new Powder Room for Guests, as well as an interior Cabana space with sauna with a door to the exterior which connects to an existing deck and swimming pool.  The former Lower Floor level Family Room will an exercise space that opens out onto a lower deck.

In collaboration with James Dixon, Architect.

Before Remodel