Michael Hennessey Design Apparel renovated a California home in cedar

American studio Michael Hennessey Architecture has revived an aging suburban house near San Francisco, adding black shutters and bright finishes to create a family home that connects past, present and future.

The residence is located in Mill Valley, a city north of San Francisco that is known for its natural scenery and cultural offerings.

Designed for a couple with two young children, the budget-conscious project involved the renovation of a suburban-style house that was “in dire need of improvement”.

The goal was to create a home that supports the family’s current needs while considering what may be needed in the future.

“The house was thought of not only as a residence, but also as a bridge: from the past to the present, from one environmental condition to another, and from what the family wanted to what they could have,” he said. Michael Hennessey Architecturewhich is located in San Francisco.

Built into the hillside, the house is U-shaped in plan, with gable levels arranged around a central courtyard.

The team chose to preserve certain features while adding modern interventions.

The building’s beige exterior was replaced with dark, vertical cedar siding that adds a sense of gravity, the studio said. The roof is covered with standing seam metal.

Inside, the 1,870-square-foot (174-square-meter) house has a clear division between public and private zones.

On the main level, one side holds the open concept kitchen, dining area, and living room, while the other includes three bedrooms. The lower level has a family room and garage.

“Clearly defined programmatic areas work in harmony with each other, outside and family needs,” the team said.

The interior features an ashtray, large patterned ceramic floor tiles, and ceramic tile around the fireplace. High ceilings and large glass areas provide an airy feeling.

Outdoor spaces include a spacious, south-facing deck that receives plenty of sunlight. Soft light streams through the courtyard on the north side.

Proving the connection to the forested, hilly landscape was a natural for the team.

“Each part of the house is oriented to the environment thanks to the carefully prepared views of the fast vegetation, as well as the more distant valleys, resulting in a detailed, thoughtful and sensitive way to create a wonderful everyday life,” the team said. .

Other Michael Hennessey Architecture projects include a town house with modern bay windows that was designed to provide alternatives to “conventional building strategies” and the renovation of a 1960s house originally built by Joseph Eichler, known for its modern residential subdivision.

Photography is for Adam Rouse.

Project credits:

Designer: Michael Hennessey Architecture
Design team: Michael Hennessey, Claudia Merzario, Jason Laudat
Contractor: Builders of New Dimensions (Dirk Von Rueben)
Structural engineer: Berkeley Design (Bill Lynch)
Landscape architect: George Lowe
Title 24 Advisor: EnergySoft, LLC (Hayley Monahan)
Sustainability Consultant: Arcturus HD (Jeff Alfs)