Conceived as “the treehouse”, the primary aspect
of the project program was the addition of a new master suite accompanied by an
adjacent private office and “listening” room with separate bathroom. The new second floor living area was to be
“elevated into the trees, filled with natural light and offer a commanding view
of the courtyard below…” Views of the
opposing hillside and neighboring trees were also an objective, as well as, the
desire to employ passive heating and cooling strategies throughout the addition
and existing house. The success of the
design lies in the projects uncanny ability to be both “open and airy” as well
as private. The stair tower is the connection
between the new and the old, providing vertical access to the master suite and
office. The rectangular geometry of the
exterior is a foil for the playful and dramatic cherry wood ceiling and stair,
and the whimsical “pebble” bathroom located within.