The original 2100sf three-story two-unit house in Sausalito, CA was a vaguely Mediterranean style with later add-ons for a garage and office. Years of deferred maintenance also required extensive framing repairs, foundation upgrades and new windows. With the potential for spectacular views of the San Francisco Bay, the interior was boxy and ill adapted to the client’s lifestyle.

While remodeling took place throughout the house, four major design moves define this project.

First, walls and a nonfunctioning fireplace at the main level were removed to transform the plan into a single living/dining/kitchen area that is better suited to casual dining and entertainment. Second, the garage and office roofs were rebuilt to create generous terraces with expansive bay views while maintaining privacy from the street. Third, new windows and doors were enlarged to take maximum advantage of views. And fourth a new dormer on the front of the house creates a usable guest room and adds character to the asymmetric façade.

The plan and the bay side of the house are renovated to reflect a contemporary style, but the street facing faced was approached in the spirit of restoration (with a little bit of invention).  The original Mediterranean style of the house was enhanced by the new dormer, slightly reformatted windows and integration of the garage wing into the main house. Appropriate exterior lights, a dramatic arched entry door and landscaping complete the composition.

Every house has an essence or a core concept that can be revealed and exploited when it meets a new owner with fresh perspective and fresh priorities. Through renovation, the house maintains its connection to the past while finding new purpose for these owners and future generations.