INTERSECTION

Berkeley, CA

The remodel of a small home allows the owner to stay in the neighborhood while accommodating a growing family and changing livestyle.

A young family purchased a house from the 1940s. It’s their first home and it’s small. 900 sqft small, with two bedrooms and a one car garage. Although they're not interested in a large home, they needed a bit more room for their growing family - one child now, with hopes for another.

INITIAL DISCUSSIONS

Our involvement started with a conversation. They weren’t sure they wanted to do anything. Maybe the kids share a room? What about an ADU? Maybe all they needed was to add a single bedroom and then move when it made sense. They liked the neighborhood and wanted to stay. Was it possible to retrofit the house for themselves for the long term? Are they able to think long-term anymore?

They knew they wanted simplicity. They love the mid-century modern cousins of the house with simple forms and a connection to the landscape. Lots of discussion and debate, testing scenarios, iteration and a bit of play were all part of the process.

ADDITION STUDIES

ADD TO REAR

ADD SECOND LEVEL

ADD NEW ELEMENT

EXISTING HOUSE

NEW CONFIGURATION

INTERSECTION BETWEEN OLD AND NEW

Ultimately, the path they chose was slightly unconventional. Rather than expanding the existing structure and its style, they decided to add a distinct new element. The original portion of the house remains as a cozy space for the children's bedrooms. While a new wing stretches from front to back yard, reformatting the other half of the original structure. A welcoming picture window faces the street, while the parents' space opens onto the backyard. What was once simply a garden has become the heart of their home - a gathering space for entertaining, sharing summer meals, connecting with nature and each other.