This mid-century home sat on a steeply sloping site but failed to take advantage of its setting. A low covered porch compressed the entry sequence, and inside, low ceilings and sliding doors limited views of Mt. Tamalpais and the surrounding landscape. The redesign began with a new double-height entry volume that reorients the approach to the house and opens it to the outdoors. This space not only connects the existing ground floor to a new second story but also frames sweeping views of Mt. Tam and the terraced rear yard. The second story addition consolidates the children's bedrooms on one side of the house, while the primary suite remains on the ground floor. This layout creates a clear division between private and shared space while keeping the family connected. Large lift-and-slide panels open the living and dining rooms to a series of new decks and outdoor rooms. Working closely with the landscape architect, the team shaped flat areas for gathering and play—an expansive lawn, a swimming pool, and shaded terraces—creating seamless indoor-outdoor living on a challenging site.
Design Team:
John Clarke
Sayre Laflin
Builder:
Tom Ganley Construction
Structural Engineer:
GFDS
Landscape Architect:
Integrated Design Studio
Interior Designer:
Wendy Posard and Associates
Photographer:
Adam Willis