San Rafael

During one of our first meetings with the owner we took a walk around the neighborhood to examine how other additions had impacted similar ranch houses. Most second-floor additions looked unbalanced.  

For our addition, we decided to emphasize horizontal lines and de-emphasize verticals as a way to maintain the stable, coherent appearance of the original Ranch. We repeated the line of the first-story hipped roof in the second story, creating a tiered effect.  We added an additional, third tier above, which provides space for a cozy sleeping loft.  The result is harmony between old and new and consonance with the architectural rhythm of the street.

This mid-century Modern house’s addition was inspired by the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright.

“He has a good business sense... What we hoped was true about Michael when we hired him was true: that he incorporates the client's needs into his design.” - SM