This spectacular family home situated above Lake Hodges in San Diego with sweeping views, was a complete interior and partial exterior remodel. Having gone untouched for decades, the home presented a unique challenge in that it was comprised of many cramped, unpermitted rooms and spaces that had been added over the years, stifling the home's true potential. Our team gutted the home down to the studs and started nearly from scratch. The goal was to dramatically open up the living space and modernize the home, while capitalizing on the stunning views the property had to offer. With the existing floor plan, only bedrooms had partial views, with common living areas relegated to the back portion, preventing residents from enjoying the expansive sightlines available to the home. The completely reimagined floorplan included relocating the kitchen and Master Suite to the opposite side of the home to take better advantage of the views and natural light. All bathrooms and the laundry room were completely remodeled along with installing new doors, windows, and flooring throughout the home and completely upgrading all electrical and plumbing. The end result is simply stunning. Light, bright, and modern, the new version of this home demonstrates the power of thoughtful architectural planning, creative problem solving, and expert design details.

The previous layout of the main floor of this split level house separated each space from the other, resulting in a design which did not take advantage of either the existing space or potential views. Our response was to modulate the degree of openness between the rooms and spaces using architectural elements. At the entry, an open, lattice-like divider replaces a full-height wall, physically and visually expanding the foyer. In the kitchen, strategically placed partial-height cabinets supplant full-height walls between the living room and kitchen and act as a visual barrier between the two, allowing the kitchen to become a destination rather than a corridor. Removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room provides for better interaction between host and guest while a series of south-facing skylights over a new island help to blur the line between the interior and exterior.

This Clairemont, San Diego home was once a small, cramped floorplan on a lot with huge potential. Situated on a canyon with gorgeous Mission Bay views, our team took this home down to the studs and built up. Designed to be an open concept ideal for indoor and outdoor entertaining, it was important to this client to maximize space and create a welcoming flow to the home. The large living room is situated toward the back of the home and a large La Cantina door system opens up the rear wall bringing the outdoors in. Outside transformed into the ultimate entertaining space with an outdoor kitchen, pool, and large deck to take advantage of the stunning sunsets year-round. The kitchen is functional and fun, featuring a pop of color with the teal kitchen island and plenty of counter space to gather. The first level master bathroom was updated to a bright and modern aesthetic with a huge walk-in shower that featured a custom-designed bench, matte black framing and fixtures, and subtle grey cabinets. Upstairs, bathrooms were done in white and marble, with a large walk-in closet in the second master suite.

Enlarging and reconfiguring this endearing 100 year old Palo Alto cottage gives the home a new life in the twenty-first century. When it comes to architecture and interior design, character and charm go a long way, but natural light, spaciousness, and fluidity are just as essential to creating a home. Over the course of design process, the FGA team explored inventive ways to maximize this 1920s Palo Alto home’s potential while maintaining its historic perspective. The new design connects, modernizes, and functionalizes the floor plan and cleans up outdated 1960s renovations. To achieve this, a new second wing was added to the original structure using the same French Tudor and half-timber style. The U-shaped courtyard configuration now creates a quaint centralized patio area easily accessible by French doors on both wings. The new wing houses a ground floor family room directly off the kitchen and an enlarged private master suite above. To take advantage of existing interior space, the second floor was reimagined by clearing out a warren of small, dark servant rooms. An unused elevator shaft was also removed affording larger, brighter, and more cohesive spaces on the ground floor and a cleaner, simplified exterior roof line that enhances the home's appearance from the street.

Nestled amidst a neighborhood of single story bungalows in Venice, California, the Solar Umbrella Residence boldly establishes a precedent for the next generation of California modernist architecture. Located on a 41’ wide x 100’-0” long through lot, the Solar Umbrella addition transforms the architects’ existing 650 square foot bungalow into a 1900 square foot residence equipped for responsible living in the twenty-first century. Inspired by Paul Rudolph’s Umbrella House of 1953, the Solar Umbrella provides a contemporary reinvention of the solar canopy—a strategy that provides thermal protection in climates with intense exposures. In establishing the program for their residence, which accommodates the couple and their one child chose to integrate into the design, principles of sustainability that they strive to achieve in their own practice. The architects carefully considered the entire site, taking advantage of as many opportunities for sustainable living as possible. Passive and active solar design strategies render the residence 100% energy neutral. Recycled, renewable, and high performance materials and products are specified throughout. Hardscape and landscape treatments are considered for their aesthetic and actual impact on the land. The Brooks Scarpa Residence elegantly crafts each of these strategies and materials, exploiting the potential for performance and sensibility while achieving a rich and interesting sensory and aesthetic experience.

This project started off as an extremely small kitchen occupying half the space of the new kitchen. It was extremely cramped and in desperate need of a redo. We proposed opening the divider wall to allow us to expand the new kitchen to realize its full potential. The owner selected a dark wood cabinet with quartz countertops. New, upgraded appliances were also selected to take advantage of the large increase in working space. Duraceramic floors were installed, as well as a New lighting layout and the addition of a complimentary porcelain backsplash to tie it all together. What a complete change from the old kitchen! Now the homeowner can cook his heart out and entertain guests seated at the peninsula at the same time. Awesome!

Nestled amidst a neighborhood of single story bungalows in Venice, California, the Solar Umbrella Residence boldly establishes a precedent for the next generation of California modernist architecture. Located on a 41’ wide x 100’-0” long through lot, the Solar Umbrella addition transforms the architects’ existing 650 square foot bungalow into a 1900 square foot residence equipped for responsible living in the twenty-first century. Inspired by Paul Rudolph’s Umbrella House of 1953, the Solar Umbrella provides a contemporary reinvention of the solar canopy—a strategy that provides thermal protection in climates with intense exposures. In establishing the program for their residence, which accommodates the couple and their one child chose to integrate into the design, principles of sustainability that they strive to achieve in their own practice. The architects carefully considered the entire site, taking advantage of as many opportunities for sustainable living as possible. Passive and active solar design strategies render the residence 100% energy neutral. Recycled, renewable, and high performance materials and products are specified throughout. Hardscape and landscape treatments are considered for their aesthetic and actual impact on the land. The Brooks Scarpa Residence elegantly crafts each of these strategies and materials, exploiting the potential for performance and sensibility while achieving a rich and interesting sensory and aesthetic experience.

Enlarging and reconfiguring this endearing 100 year old Palo Alto cottage gives the home a new life in the twenty-first century. When it comes to architecture and interior design, character and charm go a long way, but natural light, spaciousness, and fluidity are just as essential to creating a home. Over the course of design process, the FGA team explored inventive ways to maximize this 1920s Palo Alto home’s potential while maintaining its historic perspective. The new design connects, modernizes, and functionalizes the floor plan and cleans up outdated 1960s renovations. To achieve this, a new second wing was added to the original structure using the same French Tudor and half-timber style. The U-shaped courtyard configuration now creates a quaint centralized patio area easily accessible by French doors on both wings. The new wing houses a ground floor family room directly off the kitchen and an enlarged private master suite above. To take advantage of existing interior space, the second floor was reimagined by clearing out a warren of small, dark servant rooms. An unused elevator shaft was also removed affording larger, brighter, and more cohesive spaces on the ground floor and a cleaner, simplified exterior roof line that enhances the home's appearance from the street.

This Clairemont, San Diego home was once a small, cramped floorplan on a lot with huge potential. Situated on a canyon with gorgeous Mission Bay views, our team took this home down to the studs and built up. Designed to be an open concept ideal for indoor and outdoor entertaining, it was important to this client to maximize space and create a welcoming flow to the home. The large living room is situated toward the back of the home and a large La Cantina door system opens up the rear wall bringing the outdoors in. Outside transformed into the ultimate entertaining space with an outdoor kitchen, pool, and large deck to take advantage of the stunning sunsets year-round. The kitchen is functional and fun, featuring a pop of color with the teal kitchen island and plenty of counter space to gather. The first level master bathroom was updated to a bright and modern aesthetic with a huge walk-in shower that featured a custom-designed bench, matte black framing and fixtures, and subtle grey cabinets. Upstairs, bathrooms were done in white and marble, with a large walk-in closet in the second master suite.

Nestled amidst a neighborhood of single story bungalows in Venice, California, the Solar Umbrella Residence boldly establishes a precedent for the next generation of California modernist architecture. Located on a 41’ wide x 100’-0” long through lot, the Solar Umbrella addition transforms the architects’ existing 650 square foot bungalow into a 1900 square foot residence equipped for responsible living in the twenty-first century. Inspired by Paul Rudolph’s Umbrella House of 1953, the Solar Umbrella provides a contemporary reinvention of the solar canopy—a strategy that provides thermal protection in climates with intense exposures. In establishing the program for their residence, which accommodates the couple and their one child chose to integrate into the design, principles of sustainability that they strive to achieve in their own practice. The architects carefully considered the entire site, taking advantage of as many opportunities for sustainable living as possible. Passive and active solar design strategies render the residence 100% energy neutral. Recycled, renewable, and high performance materials and products are specified throughout. Hardscape and landscape treatments are considered for their aesthetic and actual impact on the land. The Brooks Scarpa Residence elegantly crafts each of these strategies and materials, exploiting the potential for performance and sensibility while achieving a rich and interesting sensory and aesthetic experience.

Nestled amidst a neighborhood of single story bungalows in Venice, California, the Solar Umbrella Residence boldly establishes a precedent for the next generation of California modernist architecture. Located on a 41’ wide x 100’-0” long through lot, the Solar Umbrella addition transforms the architects’ existing 650 square foot bungalow into a 1900 square foot residence equipped for responsible living in the twenty-first century. Inspired by Paul Rudolph’s Umbrella House of 1953, the Solar Umbrella provides a contemporary reinvention of the solar canopy—a strategy that provides thermal protection in climates with intense exposures. In establishing the program for their residence, which accommodates the couple and their one child chose to integrate into the design, principles of sustainability that they strive to achieve in their own practice. The architects carefully considered the entire site, taking advantage of as many opportunities for sustainable living as possible. Passive and active solar design strategies render the residence 100% energy neutral. Recycled, renewable, and high performance materials and products are specified throughout. Hardscape and landscape treatments are considered for their aesthetic and actual impact on the land. The Brooks Scarpa Residence elegantly crafts each of these strategies and materials, exploiting the potential for performance and sensibility while achieving a rich and interesting sensory and aesthetic experience.

Nestled amidst a neighborhood of single story bungalows in Venice, California, the Solar Umbrella Residence boldly establishes a precedent for the next generation of California modernist architecture. Located on a 41’ wide x 100’-0” long through lot, the Solar Umbrella addition transforms the architects’ existing 650 square foot bungalow into a 1900 square foot residence equipped for responsible living in the twenty-first century. Inspired by Paul Rudolph’s Umbrella House of 1953, the Solar Umbrella provides a contemporary reinvention of the solar canopy—a strategy that provides thermal protection in climates with intense exposures. In establishing the program for their residence, which accommodates the couple and their one child chose to integrate into the design, principles of sustainability that they strive to achieve in their own practice. The architects carefully considered the entire site, taking advantage of as many opportunities for sustainable living as possible. Passive and active solar design strategies render the residence 100% energy neutral. Recycled, renewable, and high performance materials and products are specified throughout. Hardscape and landscape treatments are considered for their aesthetic and actual impact on the land. The Brooks Scarpa Residence elegantly crafts each of these strategies and materials, exploiting the potential for performance and sensibility while achieving a rich and interesting sensory and aesthetic experience.

Enlarging and reconfiguring this endearing 100 year old Palo Alto cottage gives the home a new life in the twenty-first century. When it comes to architecture and interior design, character and charm go a long way, but natural light, spaciousness, and fluidity are just as essential to creating a home. Over the course of design process, the FGA team explored inventive ways to maximize this 1920s Palo Alto home’s potential while maintaining its historic perspective. The new design connects, modernizes, and functionalizes the floor plan and cleans up outdated 1960s renovations. To achieve this, a new second wing was added to the original structure using the same French Tudor and half-timber style. The U-shaped courtyard configuration now creates a quaint centralized patio area easily accessible by French doors on both wings. The new wing houses a ground floor family room directly off the kitchen and an enlarged private master suite above. To take advantage of existing interior space, the second floor was reimagined by clearing out a warren of small, dark servant rooms. An unused elevator shaft was also removed affording larger, brighter, and more cohesive spaces on the ground floor and a cleaner, simplified exterior roof line that enhances the home's appearance from the street.

Enlarging and reconfiguring this endearing 100 year old Palo Alto cottage gives the home a new life in the twenty-first century. When it comes to architecture and interior design, character and charm go a long way, but natural light, spaciousness, and fluidity are just as essential to creating a home. Over the course of design process, the FGA team explored inventive ways to maximize this 1920s Palo Alto home’s potential while maintaining its historic perspective. The new design connects, modernizes, and functionalizes the floor plan and cleans up outdated 1960s renovations. To achieve this, a new second wing was added to the original structure using the same French Tudor and half-timber style. The U-shaped courtyard configuration now creates a quaint centralized patio area easily accessible by French doors on both wings. The new wing houses a ground floor family room directly off the kitchen and an enlarged private master suite above. To take advantage of existing interior space, the second floor was reimagined by clearing out a warren of small, dark servant rooms. An unused elevator shaft was also removed affording larger, brighter, and more cohesive spaces on the ground floor and a cleaner, simplified exterior roof line that enhances the home's appearance from the street.

Nestled amidst a neighborhood of single story bungalows in Venice, California, the Solar Umbrella Residence boldly establishes a precedent for the next generation of California modernist architecture. Located on a 41’ wide x 100’-0” long through lot, the Solar Umbrella addition transforms the architects’ existing 650 square foot bungalow into a 1900 square foot residence equipped for responsible living in the twenty-first century. Inspired by Paul Rudolph’s Umbrella House of 1953, the Solar Umbrella provides a contemporary reinvention of the solar canopy—a strategy that provides thermal protection in climates with intense exposures. In establishing the program for their residence, which accommodates the couple and their one child chose to integrate into the design, principles of sustainability that they strive to achieve in their own practice. The architects carefully considered the entire site, taking advantage of as many opportunities for sustainable living as possible. Passive and active solar design strategies render the residence 100% energy neutral. Recycled, renewable, and high performance materials and products are specified throughout. Hardscape and landscape treatments are considered for their aesthetic and actual impact on the land. The Brooks Scarpa Residence elegantly crafts each of these strategies and materials, exploiting the potential for performance and sensibility while achieving a rich and interesting sensory and aesthetic experience.

This Clairemont, San Diego home was once a small, cramped floorplan on a lot with huge potential. Situated on a canyon with gorgeous Mission Bay views, our team took this home down to the studs and built up. Designed to be an open concept ideal for indoor and outdoor entertaining, it was important to this client to maximize space and create a welcoming flow to the home. The large living room is situated toward the back of the home and a large La Cantina door system opens up the rear wall bringing the outdoors in. Outside transformed into the ultimate entertaining space with an outdoor kitchen, pool, and large deck to take advantage of the stunning sunsets year-round. The kitchen is functional and fun, featuring a pop of color with the teal kitchen island and plenty of counter space to gather. The first level master bathroom was updated to a bright and modern aesthetic with a huge walk-in shower that featured a custom-designed bench, matte black framing and fixtures, and subtle grey cabinets. Upstairs, bathrooms were done in white and marble, with a large walk-in closet in the second master suite.

This project started off as an extremely small kitchen occupying half the space of the new kitchen. It was extremely cramped and in desperate need of a redo. We proposed opening the divider wall to allow us to expand the new kitchen to realize its full potential. The owner selected a dark wood cabinet with quartz countertops. New, upgraded appliances were also selected to take advantage of the large increase in working space. Duraceramic floors were installed, as well as a New lighting layout and the addition of a complimentary porcelain backsplash to tie it all together. What a complete change from the old kitchen! Now the homeowner can cook his heart out and entertain guests seated at the peninsula at the same time. Awesome!

Enlarging and reconfiguring this endearing 100 year old Palo Alto cottage gives the home a new life in the twenty-first century. When it comes to architecture and interior design, character and charm go a long way, but natural light, spaciousness, and fluidity are just as essential to creating a home. Over the course of design process, the FGA team explored inventive ways to maximize this 1920s Palo Alto home’s potential while maintaining its historic perspective. The new design connects, modernizes, and functionalizes the floor plan and cleans up outdated 1960s renovations. To achieve this, a new second wing was added to the original structure using the same French Tudor and half-timber style. The U-shaped courtyard configuration now creates a quaint centralized patio area easily accessible by French doors on both wings. The new wing houses a ground floor family room directly off the kitchen and an enlarged private master suite above. To take advantage of existing interior space, the second floor was reimagined by clearing out a warren of small, dark servant rooms. An unused elevator shaft was also removed affording larger, brighter, and more cohesive spaces on the ground floor and a cleaner, simplified exterior roof line that enhances the home's appearance from the street.

Nestled amidst a neighborhood of single story bungalows in Venice, California, the Solar Umbrella Residence boldly establishes a precedent for the next generation of California modernist architecture. Located on a 41’ wide x 100’-0” long through lot, the Solar Umbrella addition transforms the architects’ existing 650 square foot bungalow into a 1900 square foot residence equipped for responsible living in the twenty-first century. Inspired by Paul Rudolph’s Umbrella House of 1953, the Solar Umbrella provides a contemporary reinvention of the solar canopy—a strategy that provides thermal protection in climates with intense exposures. In establishing the program for their residence, which accommodates the couple and their one child chose to integrate into the design, principles of sustainability that they strive to achieve in their own practice. The architects carefully considered the entire site, taking advantage of as many opportunities for sustainable living as possible. Passive and active solar design strategies render the residence 100% energy neutral. Recycled, renewable, and high performance materials and products are specified throughout. Hardscape and landscape treatments are considered for their aesthetic and actual impact on the land. The Brooks Scarpa Residence elegantly crafts each of these strategies and materials, exploiting the potential for performance and sensibility while achieving a rich and interesting sensory and aesthetic experience.