Initially, the owners inquired about our services for a kitchen renovation and modest addition. But, before we even had a chance to visit the property, a devastating electrical fire gutted the entirety of their interior. Together, we to turned the calamity into an opportunity. The scope of work shifted and we were able to address the fundamental architectural issues that plagued the home and design a home for their family and their living style.

The owners were originally attracted to the setting of this 1950’s ranch home enveloped by mature trees and positioned high into a hillside with gracious views of NYC from the front of the home and park like setting in the rear. The single-story, slab on grade, ranch over the years experienced “plan sprawl”. Additional living space was achieved by the previous owners over the years by enclosing a breezeway and then annexing garage as additional living space. In doing so, the home lost scale and its organizational flow. The front door was no longer used. It was inconvenient, undistinguishable from the many patio doors that had been added. The open plan and lack of storage made every room a closet.
Now as you ascend the driveway, the home reveals itself. A level parking/play court is flanked on the left by a new carport with storage for bikes and such and the renovated and re-envisioned home on the right. A defined walkway aligns with the formal entrance pergola and a more discrete gate calls attention to the fenced rear yard and less formal back door. By defining the entry to the home and creating a foyer, we were able to organize entry to the home and define zones. By reframing the roof and creating vaulted ceilings not only did we gain more natural light, but the spaces are also more proportionate and welcoming.

Clawson Architects and Interiors together with Clawson Cabinets is responsible for the interior design—fixtures, finishes and furnishings.