Sausalito Residence
The project goals were to expand the home, maximize views, design sustainable features and to transform the shingled bungalow into a modern, minimal design that opens up to the surrounding site. Architectural materials such as wood, concrete steel and glass are juxtaposed against a softer surrounding landscape and planted roof.
The program was design a playroom, guest bedroom/bath, a home theater and enclosed garage on a new basement level. Adding a basement however, posed several challenges mainly how to capture natural light on a severe slope and how to maintain a feeling of openness, despite the reality of several columns and 2 shear walls that were too expensive to relocate. Furthermore, the only place to bring in natural light was in a small corner of the basement which had to share the same space as a new stair. Therefore, an all glass stair enclosure was designed with Tony Orantes of The Urban Lab. The design uses ½” thick cold-rolled shaped steel stringers with 3“ open wood risers. To brighten the space, the palette was kept primarily white, with exposed concrete, wood ceilings and small pops of bright colors throughout. A large 16 ft sliding wall separates the play/bedroom areas from the home theater, creating continuity and a feeling of openness. Lastly, the client’s desire for an enclosed home theater morphed into a family-room concept, where a 100” rear projection screen mounts directly to drywall.
The existing home faces east toward Angel Island. To maximize the view an 18’-0” sliding Nanawall was added to the main living area and a Bison pedestal-system added to the new enclosed garage roof. This creates 1,400 sq ft of indoor/outdoor living space when the Nanawall is in the open position – great for entertaining or used as a urban yard. Sustainable elements were implemented where practical and cost-effective including: a living roof, pv panels, a rain screen system, a cool roof, new wall insulation and energy efficient windows. To update the overall look of the home and increase energy performance, the existing cedar shingles were replaced with a cement fiberboard rain-screen system by Swisspearl.
The exterior landscape was transformed by installing simple, cosmetic modifications including a gabion rock retaining wall, concrete pads with smooth river stones and Ipe wood decking.