The
existing house was masterful in its use of open space and the restraint shown
in the materials and exterior form. Rather than try and upstage the existing
character of the house, the attempt was to seamlessly blend the large addition
required by the growing family.The
brief was to add 2000 sq.ft. of living spaces, an elevator and design a general
upgradation of the entire house. Instead of putting the elevator in the tall courtyard
space as originally intended, it was inserted into the core of the house,
necessitating structural changes, but hiding the elevator from view. The
addition on the top floor was set back from the main facade with multiple
benefits: the 10 foot overhang shades the glass wall from the west sun, creates
a large covered deck and prevents the house from looking top heavy.Despite
the tight construction schedule of just 5 months, the house incorporates many
custom details, including a virtually frameless insulated glass walland a hand
beaten copper sheet main door.