A young couple bought a foreclosure house for its great views, southern exposure and, they knew, hidden potential. The “bones” were fine but the interior spaces and their relationship to the site were poor. Consideration was given to razing the structure but ultimately, the decision to renovate and expand was made because it would save the embodied energy of the existing house, be more economical and become a “story."

Work involved: Removing all interior finishes and trades work (owner sweat equity); Razing the porch and garage; Development of an open first floor living space, two second floor bedrooms on the second floor; and an addition for a first floor carport, entry and half-bath, a second floor sitting room, studio and roof deck.

A contemporary exterior is highlighted by fiber cement siding, expansive glass and steel columns and beams.