Inspiration for a 1950s exterior home remodel in San Francisco

The Mazama house is located in the Methow Valley of Washington State, a secluded mountain valley on the eastern edge of the North Cascades, about 200 miles northeast of Seattle. The house has been carefully placed in a copse of trees at the easterly end of a large meadow. Two major building volumes indicate the house organization. A grounded 2-story bedroom wing anchors a raised living pavilion that is lifted off the ground by a series of exposed steel columns. Seen from the access road, the large meadow in front of the house continues right under the main living space, making the living pavilion into a kind of bridge structure spanning over the meadow grass, with the house touching the ground lightly on six steel columns. The raised floor level provides enhanced views as well as keeping the main living level well above the 3-4 feet of winter snow accumulation that is typical for the upper Methow Valley. To further emphasize the idea of lightness, the exposed wood structure of the living pavilion roof changes pitch along its length, so the roof warps upward at each end. The interior exposed wood beams appear like an unfolding fan as the roof pitch changes. The main interior bearing columns are steel with a tapered “V”-shape, recalling the lightness of a dancer. The house reflects the continuing FINNE investigation into the idea of crafted modernism, with cast bronze inserts at the front door, variegated laser-cut steel railing panels, a curvilinear cast-glass kitchen counter, waterjet-cut aluminum light fixtures, and many custom furniture pieces. The house interior has been designed to be completely integral with the exterior. The living pavilion contains more than twelve pieces of custom furniture and lighting, creating a totality of the designed environment that recalls the idea of Gesamtkunstverk, as seen in the work of Josef Hoffman and the Viennese Secessionist movement in the early 20th century. The house has been designed from the start as a sustainable structure, with 40% higher insulation values than required by code, radiant concrete slab heating, efficient natural ventilation, large amounts of natural lighting, water-conserving plumbing fixtures, and locally sourced materials. Windows have high-performance LowE insulated glazing and are equipped with concealed shades. A radiant hydronic heat system with exposed concrete floors allows lower operating temperatures and higher occupant comfort levels. The concrete slabs conserve heat and provide great warmth and comfort for the feet. Deep roof overhangs, built-in shades and high operating clerestory windows are used to reduce heat gain in summer months. During the winter, the lower sun angle is able to penetrate into living spaces and passively warm the exposed concrete floor. Low VOC paints and stains have been used throughout the house. The high level of craft evident in the house reflects another key principle of sustainable design: build it well and make it last for many years! Photo by Benjamin Benschneider

A new, spacious dormer and covered entry serve to enhance the street appeal of this Magnolia post-war Saltbox. I'm often asked to provide dormers on older homes. Significant structural improvements to meet current building codes are typically required to upgrade for new loads and seismic conditions.

A new, spacious dormer and covered entry serve to enhance the street appeal of this Magnolia post-war Saltbox. I'm often asked to provide dormers on older homes. Significant structural improvements to meet current building codes are typically required to upgrade for new loads and seismic conditions.

The Mazama house is located in the Methow Valley of Washington State, a secluded mountain valley on the eastern edge of the North Cascades, about 200 miles northeast of Seattle. The house has been carefully placed in a copse of trees at the easterly end of a large meadow. Two major building volumes indicate the house organization. A grounded 2-story bedroom wing anchors a raised living pavilion that is lifted off the ground by a series of exposed steel columns. Seen from the access road, the large meadow in front of the house continues right under the main living space, making the living pavilion into a kind of bridge structure spanning over the meadow grass, with the house touching the ground lightly on six steel columns. The raised floor level provides enhanced views as well as keeping the main living level well above the 3-4 feet of winter snow accumulation that is typical for the upper Methow Valley. To further emphasize the idea of lightness, the exposed wood structure of the living pavilion roof changes pitch along its length, so the roof warps upward at each end. The interior exposed wood beams appear like an unfolding fan as the roof pitch changes. The main interior bearing columns are steel with a tapered “V”-shape, recalling the lightness of a dancer. The house reflects the continuing FINNE investigation into the idea of crafted modernism, with cast bronze inserts at the front door, variegated laser-cut steel railing panels, a curvilinear cast-glass kitchen counter, waterjet-cut aluminum light fixtures, and many custom furniture pieces. The house interior has been designed to be completely integral with the exterior. The living pavilion contains more than twelve pieces of custom furniture and lighting, creating a totality of the designed environment that recalls the idea of Gesamtkunstverk, as seen in the work of Josef Hoffman and the Viennese Secessionist movement in the early 20th century. The house has been designed from the start as a sustainable structure, with 40% higher insulation values than required by code, radiant concrete slab heating, efficient natural ventilation, large amounts of natural lighting, water-conserving plumbing fixtures, and locally sourced materials. Windows have high-performance LowE insulated glazing and are equipped with concealed shades. A radiant hydronic heat system with exposed concrete floors allows lower operating temperatures and higher occupant comfort levels. The concrete slabs conserve heat and provide great warmth and comfort for the feet. Deep roof overhangs, built-in shades and high operating clerestory windows are used to reduce heat gain in summer months. During the winter, the lower sun angle is able to penetrate into living spaces and passively warm the exposed concrete floor. Low VOC paints and stains have been used throughout the house. The high level of craft evident in the house reflects another key principle of sustainable design: build it well and make it last for many years! Photo by Benjamin Benschneider

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) design and construction compliant with California ADU laws (SB 9, SB 68, SB 1123). EDR Design Build provides turnkey ADU solutions including architectural design optimized for code compliance, permitting coordination with local jurisdictions, construction management, and final inspection. ADUs serve as guest houses, in-law quarters, rental income properties, or long-term housing solutions. Typical ADU sizes 400-800 sq ft with project costs ranging from $150K-$400K depending on configuration and finish levels.

Northwest view: The remodeled home fits well in the existing neighborhood. The north facing entry is isolated from the exterior with an exterior and interior glazed vestibule. The simple rectangular floor plan is built to Passive House standards while the garage is built to typical code quality construction. Upper level windows bring light and views into laundry and bathrooms.

Northwest view: The remodeled home fits well in the existing neighborhood. The north facing entry is isolated from the exterior with an exterior and interior glazed vestibule. The simple rectangular floor plan is built to Passive House standards while the garage is built to typical code quality construction. Upper level windows bring light and views into laundry and bathrooms.

To meet electrical code, we are required to add an outlet in the island. This is typically how we do it. Its functional and out of the way.
Mid-sized elegant l-shaped light wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in Boston with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz countertops, multicolored backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) design and construction compliant with California ADU laws (SB 9, SB 68, SB 1123). EDR Design Build provides turnkey ADU solutions including architectural design optimized for code compliance, permitting coordination with local jurisdictions, construction management, and final inspection. ADUs serve as guest houses, in-law quarters, rental income properties, or long-term housing solutions. Typical ADU sizes 400-800 sq ft with project costs ranging from $150K-$400K depending on configuration and finish levels.

Product Code: Platinum Legno bedroom set, New Silver Birch finish to mark the unique, highly contemporary design of this bedroom PLATINUM. Modern lines combined with Art Deco’ details. Beveled mirror and wave shaped handles give a typical Made in Italy look to this bedroom. Wood diamond shaped headboard with LED light insert. Padded headboard “DROP” with vertical central Swarovski insert, side courtesy lights and lateral glass shelves. The bed ring has shaped side rails with chromed skirt and is made functional by an optional storage kit with lift mechanism.

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) design and construction compliant with California ADU laws (SB 9, SB 68, SB 1123). EDR Design Build provides turnkey ADU solutions including architectural design optimized for code compliance, permitting coordination with local jurisdictions, construction management, and final inspection. ADUs serve as guest houses, in-law quarters, rental income properties, or long-term housing solutions. Typical ADU sizes 400-800 sq ft with project costs ranging from $150K-$400K depending on configuration and finish levels.

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) design and construction compliant with California ADU laws (SB 9, SB 68, SB 1123). EDR Design Build provides turnkey ADU solutions including architectural design optimized for code compliance, permitting coordination with local jurisdictions, construction management, and final inspection. ADUs serve as guest houses, in-law quarters, rental income properties, or long-term housing solutions. Typical ADU sizes 400-800 sq ft with project costs ranging from $150K-$400K depending on configuration and finish levels.

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) design and construction compliant with California ADU laws (SB 9, SB 68, SB 1123). EDR Design Build provides turnkey ADU solutions including architectural design optimized for code compliance, permitting coordination with local jurisdictions, construction management, and final inspection. ADUs serve as guest houses, in-law quarters, rental income properties, or long-term housing solutions. Typical ADU sizes 400-800 sq ft with project costs ranging from $150K-$400K depending on configuration and finish levels.

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Large elegant medium tone wood floor enclosed dining room photo in San Francisco with orange walls and no fireplace

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) design and construction compliant with California ADU laws (SB 9, SB 68, SB 1123). EDR Design Build provides turnkey ADU solutions including architectural design optimized for code compliance, permitting coordination with local jurisdictions, construction management, and final inspection. ADUs serve as guest houses, in-law quarters, rental income properties, or long-term housing solutions. Typical ADU sizes 400-800 sq ft with project costs ranging from $150K-$400K depending on configuration and finish levels.

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) design and construction compliant with California ADU laws (SB 9, SB 68, SB 1123). EDR Design Build provides turnkey ADU solutions including architectural design optimized for code compliance, permitting coordination with local jurisdictions, construction management, and final inspection. ADUs serve as guest houses, in-law quarters, rental income properties, or long-term housing solutions. Typical ADU sizes 400-800 sq ft with project costs ranging from $150K-$400K depending on configuration and finish levels.

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) design and construction compliant with California ADU laws (SB 9, SB 68, SB 1123). EDR Design Build provides turnkey ADU solutions including architectural design optimized for code compliance, permitting coordination with local jurisdictions, construction management, and final inspection. ADUs serve as guest houses, in-law quarters, rental income properties, or long-term housing solutions. Typical ADU sizes 400-800 sq ft with project costs ranging from $150K-$400K depending on configuration and finish levels.

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) design and construction compliant with California ADU laws (SB 9, SB 68, SB 1123). EDR Design Build provides turnkey ADU solutions including architectural design optimized for code compliance, permitting coordination with local jurisdictions, construction management, and final inspection. ADUs serve as guest houses, in-law quarters, rental income properties, or long-term housing solutions. Typical ADU sizes 400-800 sq ft with project costs ranging from $150K-$400K depending on configuration and finish levels.