BAY PARK RESIDENCE
THE DETAILS
The design process was a coast-to-coast collaboration that took place over more than ten years. The first conversations were passionately centered around making something distinctive, courageous, and functional which were common values shared among the designer and architect as they each began their own entrepreneurial endeavors.
History
This Bay Park home was typical of the post-war GI housing build of the early 50s in San Diego. At just under 900 square feet there were 3 bedrooms and one bath which created cramped and in-efficient spaces. The home is situated along a ubiquitous street of bungalows and is now an instrument for visual engagement of its surroundings.
Distinct Phases
The home was remodeled in two distinct phases. Phase One was designed as a master suite addition in response to a growing family and the homeowners’ need for a sanctuary with a small office space and direct connection to the backyard. Given that the home’s style was insignificant the design purposefully contrasts the existing architecture, while leaving some elements of the original home visible.
The Phase Two addition further enhances the family’s experience of their complex surroundings by mimicking the first phase with an autonomously weathering steel-clad enclosure.
It is also eroded by larger choreographed windows, insets, and overhangs. A large glazed wall with sliders connects the patio and backyard with the double height great room inside. The home interior is organized around this central activity space and the skylight-illuminated staircase with perforated steel railings.
The kid’s occupy the majority of the second level with their bedrooms, shared bathroom, and play/art/study area.
The new space is punctured by windows and skylights that frame external views of the sky, ground, patio, and the large pepper tree that anchors the backyard.
For an additional reference to the original home, the powder bath features a reclaimed utility sink that was common in the area and era. The sink was refinished by hand to align with the new style and gives the homeowners a place to wash paintbrushes or the kids sandy feet.
The addition is not simply attached to the rear of the existing house but nested into it like a key fitting into a lock.
BEFORE
AFTER
THE FINAL RESULT
The front of the house culminates with an elevated front porch wrapped by a floating band of perforated weathering steel that carries down to the entry. From this second-story void, distant views of Mission Bay can be enjoyed while overlooking kids at play in the street.
THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU.
It takes a dream team of amazing clients, vendors, and contractors to complete a successful project.