2005 Building Excellence Award

The owner's requirements were to enhance the home, not attempt to build it into something it was not. How the addition was sited on the property was very important. Additionally, the challenge to add such a significant amount of space to the front of the house, while maintaining the living and dining areas in the back required some creative planning to maintain a good flow through the house.

There is a garden shed that was built under one of the patios so it would not obstruct any of the views, yet still be located in a convenient spot.

Because the style of the house was contemporary, extra care was put into the precise layout of every wall, every section of roof and all lumber was hand sorted for its use. Commercial windows were used to achieve large glazing areas and sleek frames. The smooth-wall sheetrock finish required meticulous attention, as did the concrete floors that extend throughout the interior and also all patio areas. The metal entry gate and deck railing were artist-designed and hand-crafted just for their applications.

The entry breezeway provides a clear entry, but with a sense of privacy and security. The (interior) gallery serves as the central hall of the house, yet with floor-to-ceiling windows does not feel like a hallway at all. The concrete countertops include the island, which incorporates angles found in the building's architecture. The custom-fused glass backsplash at the kitchen is matched with a panel on the front door to create a sense of continuity.

This project created an exceptional estate home from what was previously a 50's-era ranch house. The house is very comfortable, very livable and finished to a very high level of detail. All materials were chosen with an emphasis on natural, timeless and sleek, but enough care was given to ensure they are not boring. Many architectural details from the home's original 1957 plan were retained, or used with minor adjustments, and yet because there is little contrived ornamentation, still look fresh and current today.