SMALL IS THE NEW BIG IN BAY AREA HOME DESIGN
A cozy craftsman transformed for maximum space.
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After trying L.A., the South Bay, and SoMa on for size, our clients found the perfect fit for their low-impact lifestyle in the form of a tiny, 750-square-foot Berkeley Craftsman.
Soon to be parents, the couple knew they would need more space for baby, but designed their home to purposely, and ingeniously, to use every area within, while adhering to a strict “no clutter” code. No easy feat with a newborn. Read more>> |
COLLABORATORS
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INDEPENDENT LIVING
Mobility solutions for every home.
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We reorganized the space of two back-to-back bathrooms to create a large, no-threshold shower in an ensuite bathroom and a separate guest bathroom. We often learn just how inhospitable our homes can be when faced with a sudden disability. Kitchens can lose their functionality when counters, cabinets and appliances are hard to see, hard to use, or hard to reach. Pathways from one room to the next - especially in our compact Bay Area homes - can be too narrow or dark. Bathrooms become treacherously dangerous.
The homeowners were left dealing with mobility and vision challenges after an accident caused permanent injuries. Fortunately, there are many modifications and alterations we can make in a home to significantly increase safety, usability, and comfort, while showcasing an owner's unique design sensibility and sense of style. To start, we reorganized two back-to-back bathrooms to create a large, no-threshold shower in the master ensuite bathroom, and a separate guest bathroom. |
Next, we remodeled the kitchen and dining area to create a continuous open flow and reintroduce the dialogue between the interior and a large backyard.
A small office space near the main living spaces creates a nerve-center for the activities of the household, while keeping paperwork and phone, printers, file cabinets out of sight. Low-rise thresholds, grab bars, different height work spaces, along with strategically placed mobility device storage were designed to integrate with the aesthetic of the house - lending a natural feel – rather than institutionally imposed. Lastly, we installed a sleek Solo-Step system – an overhead track and harness system that weaves throughout the house. This system provides assistance – and safety – while moving through the house, or standing to work. COLLABORATORS
Construction: Leo Montes Construction
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