Blank slate needs help!

13 years ago

Hi guys,
My girlfriend and I recently purchased this 1969 house made of stucco and a concrete roof. we beleive it has a lot of potential to become something interesting due to its modern lines. I wanted your help and suggestions but here are a few things we thought of doing...
The roof will be painted charcoal or black.
The garage will be enclosed with a clear glass garage door and Shou-sugi-ban siding.
The forwardmost module of the home will also be covered in shou-sugi-ban.
All windows will be enlarged to floor to ceiling.
The wall above the front door will be opened up entirely with a window giving a view on the steel staircase.
I was thinking of a concrete driveway, and making the garage roof a one slope roof to conceal the concrete roofing but am concerned of the cost of these two elements.

What would you guys do if this was your blank slate and you loved modern?

Thanks for all your help!

Featured Answer

PRO

Paradise Restored Landscaping & Exterior Design

13 years ago

last modified: 13 years ago

This is a b4 and after - front driveway - the paver patio, walkway & driveway additions made a tremendous difference . . .PS like all your ideas very much and believe the added $ put into driveway will finish the look you desire . . .

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Comments (13)

PRO
Noz Design
13 years ago
I actually love all of your ideas -- I think this home has lots of potential -- so many different panes and surfaces. The idea of keeping the home's appearance grey-scale between the concrete driveway, charcoal/black ceiling, and the Shou-Sugi-Ban siding all, plus expanding the windows viewable from the street, are all amazing.

I am not sure about the cost of changing the roof, but I believe concrete driveways are quite affordable (obviously not as affordable as leaving the driveway as-is). Would LOVE to see the "after" when your project is done. Best of luck, and congrats on the new home!
Tammy
13 years ago
Your window above the entry is such an excellent idea! It will make all the difference, and your other ideas complement that feel. Maybe some crisp landscaping, very geometric and pared down, and it'll be amazing.
ericmccutcheon
Original Author
13 years ago
Thank you very much for the comment Annie. Very encouraging words! Of course an 'after' will follow!
ericmccutcheon
Original Author
13 years ago
Thats what we were planning Tay. Likely cutting the cedar pn the far right as it completely blocks off the right of the house...
Claudianne Young
13 years ago
I can't tell where the front door is. If I redid the drive I would include some hard scape in front of the house to include a walk to the entrance and add extra parking. I don't see any plants that I would keep. I would use some landscaping up lighting and light the house,drive, and parking area. Since you seem to like Asian influences maybe do some wooden decking at the entrance, some decorative rocks, some grass and pavement combined, some reds in plants such as Japanese maple, red dogwood, or red blood grass. Personally I would enclose the carport and work on the outside. I think the house looks good as is.
houssaon
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
I had to look up Shou-sugi-ban. Here is one home clad in the siding:
shou sugi ban · More Info

The roof tiles are concrete and not clay? If you paint the roof it will be less noticeable. I would not go to the expense of changing the roofline.

Are you going with casement windows? What color on the trim?

How about a gravel driveway? Or staining the existing pavers dark gray?
PRO
SaCim Decor
13 years ago
Hi ericmccutchen, Im guessing there isnt too much bamboo available in your area. If you have a really cool indoor or outdoor pot you could get coloured bamboo poles like the ones below. They are available at www.sacimdecor.com. Good luck
PRO
Interiors International, Inc.
13 years ago
Basically everything your thinking. I love this house I know it won't work with yours but some ideas could translate.
http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/6089950/thumbs/architecture
misecretary
13 years ago
Just found your post,. Any updates you'd like to share?
It's a fantastic house and I would dearly love to see your work in progress and/or completed house.
Thanks!
mghncnnllyhpt
13 years ago
I like your ideas...specifically the glass garage door (though I'd do frosted) and the window above the door. What about painting the house a charcoal grey with white trim? Get rid of the tree blocking the house in front. I'd probably say to pave the driveway...you could consider a tinted concrete.
armchairshopper
11 years ago
I love modern, and I definitely love this house!

There are so many things about it that are just ahead if its
time. For example: the driveway pavers. This house had permeable pavement before it
became fashionable. I would not change
the driveway. I would consider getting
some exterior concrete stain to make the pavers looker newer and fresher.

We have a theft problem where we live, so I would prefer
frosted glass to clear glass on the garage door. The Shou-sugi-ban siding is a great way to
make the house look newer.

The enlarged floor to ceiling windows will make the house
much more bright in your Northern climate.
I like opening up the area around the front door and would consider
enlarged walkways to make the front door show up more. I would not change the roof lines.

What would I do? Buy
a big chainsaw! First, I would get rid
of those cedars, followed by that scraggly tree that hides the house. I would not paint the concrete roof, because
I like the warmth of the red color. I
would get a pump sprayer and some Thompson’s water seal and give the concrete
roof a coating to try to extend the life of that very expensive concrete tile roof. Before you do anything, study
concrete roofs and learn how to inspect them, how to walk on them, and learn
about flashing. Good flashing will
extend the life of your concrete side walls and prevent freeze-thaw damage.

You
might consider learning how to edit photos.
It would help you to try out different things on the house.
libradesigneye
11 years ago
Keep the concrete tile roof and just use the paint. Do keep the pavers - they are more upscale than concrete and friendlier to the earth - also the perfect color for your siding.