The design of this house responds to a summary of what 4,200 people wanted in a "Bay Area Dream
House." Comfortable spaces are filled with natural light, grand views and flexibility for changing
needs. The result is a home that has the warmth and character of the craftsman style in partnership
with today's technology and sensibilities.
The home capitalizes on its spectacular outdoor views and climate. Visitors stepping through the front
door are greeted with a dramatic sweep of the surrounding golf course and hillsides. The dining and
living rooms are linked by a hallway and both rooms open out onto smaller gardens and loggias. The
center of the house has a voluminous, airy feeling, with views to the outside from both levels.
The living room provides an intimate, formal space while the great room tends to be more casual and
family oriented. The kitchen/dining/breakfast areas are all designed for easy outdoor use and
entertaining. The lower level bedroom offers itself as an optional office, exercise room, or accessible
in-law quarters. The privacy of the master suite upstairs is defined by a bridge. At the other end, the
two children's rooms have their own play decks which become sleeping porches on hot nights. The larger bedroom is designed to be
divided into two rooms.
Because energy costs and conservation are an important concern for today's consumer, we sought innovative ways to heat and cool this
home. We heavily insulated the walls and roof for inexpensive, energy-efficiency. We selected low E glass and wood windows rather
than aluminum and designed overhangs on the western and southern exposures. The center of the home has windows low on one side
and high on the other to create a natural ventilation pattern to cool the house with summer breezes. This home was selected by PG&E to
become a showcase for energy efficiency.
The interior design emphasised on comfort and practical family living. The interior furnishings are generous in scale and simple in line
to complement the architecture of the home. In selecting the furniture, occasional reference is made to the earlier Arts and Crafts
movement style of this area. Local artists and craftsmen added finishing touches to this special home.
Because of the home's indoor/outdoor focus, landscape design was a major part of the overall plan. The garden areas are essentially
Italian in character, with tree bosques used liberally in the side areas along with drought-tolerant ground covers and flowering
perennials. In keeping with a xeriscape plan, the lawn area is small but formal and functional.
We endeavored to keep costs down and innovation up in our design of this dream home. Budget constraints played a crucial role in our
decision-making. Actual construction cost was $91.68 per square foot. We created an affordable home which is a rich-looking, unique
house that will stand the test of time. |
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