Example 1: Stairs Case.
Before:
The stair was constrained between walls and the ceiling creating a dark tunnel effect when walking upstairs. The corridor on the second floor was very dark since it didn't have any windows and all the space were compartmented in rooms.
Reform:
We cleared the stair from obstacles, removed the unnecessary ceiling recovering the crawling space under the roofs to create a double height lobby and opened dormer windows at the second floor.
Example 1: Fence.
Before:
The property has had several remodels and expansions over the years without care for the overall consistency of the house. There were different window brands and styles, roofs with poorly studied slopes and connections, a landscape surrounding the house with trees blocking light and ventilation resulting on dark and damp interiors with no views. Some of the materials were off scale in relation to the size of the house, especially noticeable were the shingles on the roof in relation to the siding.
Reform:
The zinc roof with single pieces top to bottom have a better scale relation with the size of this home. We reduced the number of roof sides keeping a consistent A frame structure. We choose a smaller siding for the first floor and a board and batt for the second floor of smaller ratio that of the roof. Clearing the landscape from visual obstacles and over pavemented areas creates openness and a better indoor-outdoor experience.
Example 4: Kitchen.
Before:
The kitchen felt clutter and dark. In part it was the luck of natural light but the wood cabinetry and floors with dark brick and paper walls was not helping. Also it is important to not underestimate how an excess of detailing on the cabinetry gives a heavy appearance to it.
Reform:
We maximized the window glass surface. We removed all the trees that were blocking natural light and views. The white cabinetry combined with a bright wall color and stainless steel appliances gives the kitchen a light, open and functional look without loosing the traditional and warm feeling.
Example 5: Family Room.
Before:
This room was added to the house in the late 70s for garage purposes and later converted on a family room. Although being a big room, the bulkiness and heaviness of the fireplace mixed with the illogical location of the windows produce a somehow non-functional and unpleasant room. Let's not even start with the material choices.
Reform:
For a family room we wanted a room that feels ample and clean. We wanted to create an inviting space to rest but also apt for playing video-games or having a party.
Example 3: South Facade
Before:
Here is a clear example of how the multiple remodels of the house resulted in a chaotic facade with random windows and unaligned elements. The landscape was very dense and close to the house which deprived the best oriented facade of the house from proper natural light. So dense that in fact this was the best photo angle possible at the time.
Reform:
This facade was the best location for a vegetable garden and a sun patio. We relocated (when possible) many of the trees in this area far away from the house, closer to the fence. This created visual depth from within the house and allowed the sun to reach the windows without losing the privacy provided by vegetation.
Example 6: Master Bathroom.
Before:
This original building from 1928 in Pacific Heights required careful study. The master-bathroom was reform sometime on the 70s with an strange mixture of modern elements and classic fixtures and inadequate materials. The window to a light-well is useless behind the tub doors. A big issue was the lack of storage space for medicines and products and a constraint feeling for a master.
Reform:We increased space converting an adjacent closet on a steam shower and using the tub place for a vanity that provides storage and takes advantage of the direct light from the window.
