Justin Krug Photography

Michael Maynard

Caesarstone Stone Grey

Photo by: Ольга Шангина © 2017 Houzz Съемка для статьи: http://www.houzz.ru/ideabooks/77871096

The site descends from the street and is privileged with dynamic natural views toward a creek below and beyond. To incorporate the existing landscape into the daily life of the residents, the house steps down to the natural topography. A continuous and jogging retaining wall from outside to inside embeds the structure below natural grade at the front with flush transitions at its rear facade. All indoor spaces open up to a central courtyard which terraces down to the tree canopy, creating a readily visible and occupiable transitional space between man-made and nature. The courtyard scheme is simplified by two wings representing common and private zones - connected by a glass dining “bridge." This transparent volume also visually connects the front yard to the courtyard, clearing for the prospect view, while maintaining a subdued street presence. The staircase acts as a vertical “knuckle,” mediating shifting wing angles while contrasting the predominant horizontality of the house. Crips materiality and detailing, deep roof overhangs, and the one-and-half story wall at the rear further enhance the connection between outdoors and indoors, providing nuanced natural lighting throughout and a meaningful framed procession through the property. Photography Spaces and Faces Photography

The view terrace is the signature space of the house. First seen from the entry, the terrace steps down to wind-protected fire-bowl, surrounded by tall glass walls. Plantings in bowl make for a terrific area to relax. House appearance described as California modern, California Coastal, or California Contemporary, San Francisco modern, Bay Area or South Bay residential design, with Sustainability and green design.

Photo Credit: Michael Lee

Photo by Bruce Damonte

Casey Dunn Photography

Mid-Century Remodel on Tabor Hill This sensitively sited house was designed by Robert Coolidge, a renowned architect and grandson of President Calvin Coolidge. The house features a symmetrical gable roof and beautiful floor to ceiling glass facing due south, smartly oriented for passive solar heating. Situated on a steep lot, the house is primarily a single story that steps down to a family room. This lower level opens to a New England exterior. Our goals for this project were to maintain the integrity of the original design while creating more modern spaces. Our design team worked to envision what Coolidge himself might have designed if he'd had access to modern materials and fixtures. With the aim of creating a signature space that ties together the living, dining, and kitchen areas, we designed a variation on the 1950's "floating kitchen." In this inviting assembly, the kitchen is located away from exterior walls, which allows views from the floor-to-ceiling glass to remain uninterrupted by cabinetry. We updated rooms throughout the house; installing modern features that pay homage to the fine, sleek lines of the original design. Finally, we opened the family room to a terrace featuring a fire pit. Since a hallmark of our design is the diminishment of the hard line between interior and exterior, we were especially pleased for the opportunity to update this classic work.

Patrick Barta

The kitchen area is on the same level as the existing house but the living area is down tow steps, on the same level as the rear garden. This creates a subtle separation of space and allows the owner to walk straight out onto the garden patio. Photos by Square Foot Media

Architect: Christopher Simmonds Architect

Michael Nicholson

Residential Interior Decoration of a Bush surrounded Beach house by Camilla Molders Design Architecture by Millar Roberston Architects Photography by Derek Swalwell

Allison Cartwright