Los Altos Transitional
Approvals can be difficult for new two-story homes in a predominantly single-story home neighborhood. This home was one such project; however, we were able to garner Design Review Commission approval due to a few key design moves.
The first floor eave is broken only by the entry porch. The simple, second-story roofline also has a continuous eave, which is broken by the gable over the lone front facing bedroom. The second floor pulls back from the front, both to reduce the bulk of the home and to expose more of the first floor roof. These gestures help tie the house into the ranch-style surroundings despite its much larger size.
Most of the nearby homes in the neighborhood are one story ranch homes. Our new, two-story home falls under a transitional style, with both craftsman and contemporary elements. For example, the porch columns in the front showcase classic craftsman-style, while the narrowly-spaced cement fiber lap siding is more of a contemporary material. In keeping with a more traditional street elevation, the home features relatively minimal front fenestration, while the rear elevation is dominated by glass.
There is also sophisticated duality in the interior of this home, with an expert understanding of the chosen materials and elements. Of note, the fireplace in the family room has a contemporary feel, while the nearby painted wooden beams and the crown molding impart an overall transitional feeling.
Studio S Squared provided both architecture and interior design for this home.
PROJECT FACTS:
DEMO OF EXISTING HOUSE ON DEVELOPED SITE. NEW CONSTRUCTION TO BE TWO STORY HOUSE WITH 7 BEDROOMS AND 7.5 BATHROOMS TOTALING 3,526.8 S.F. LIVING AREA AND 419.5 S.F. GARAGE AREA, TOTALING 3,946.3 S.F. WITH A 2,703.7 S.F. BASEMENT ON A 11,974 S.F. LOT.
The first floor eave is broken only by the entry porch. The simple, second-story roofline also has a continuous eave, which is broken by the gable over the lone front facing bedroom. The second floor pulls back from the front, both to reduce the bulk of the home and to expose more of the first floor roof. These gestures help tie the house into the ranch-style surroundings despite its much larger size.
Most of the nearby homes in the neighborhood are one story ranch homes. Our new, two-story home falls under a transitional style, with both craftsman and contemporary elements. For example, the porch columns in the front showcase classic craftsman-style, while the narrowly-spaced cement fiber lap siding is more of a contemporary material. In keeping with a more traditional street elevation, the home features relatively minimal front fenestration, while the rear elevation is dominated by glass.
There is also sophisticated duality in the interior of this home, with an expert understanding of the chosen materials and elements. Of note, the fireplace in the family room has a contemporary feel, while the nearby painted wooden beams and the crown molding impart an overall transitional feeling.
Studio S Squared provided both architecture and interior design for this home.
PROJECT FACTS:
DEMO OF EXISTING HOUSE ON DEVELOPED SITE. NEW CONSTRUCTION TO BE TWO STORY HOUSE WITH 7 BEDROOMS AND 7.5 BATHROOMS TOTALING 3,526.8 S.F. LIVING AREA AND 419.5 S.F. GARAGE AREA, TOTALING 3,946.3 S.F. WITH A 2,703.7 S.F. BASEMENT ON A 11,974 S.F. LOT.
Project Year: 2019
Project Cost: More than $2,000,000
Country: United States
Zip Code: 94022
