A Bay Area Home Merges Architecture, Art, and Outdoor Living

This article details the journey of designer/builder Victoria Holland in constructing her own home, a process that spanned five years after a decade of building homes for others. Growing up in a heavily wooded area of Bellevue, Washington, the author developed a deep appreciation for nature, which profoundly influenced her desire for a home that felt connected to its natural surroundings. Her chosen site, a small parcel of land filled with cedar trees and sword ferns, became the backdrop for her unique vision. Inspired by Native American longhouse designs, particularly a visit to a Kwakiutl tribal village on Vancouver Island, the author decided to incorporate elements of traditional longhouse architecture into her contemporary home. A key inspiration was the concept of massive, peeled logs serving as both structural elements and aesthetic focal points, reminiscent of the carved poles that supported traditional longhouses. She intentionally designed the house to be unobtrusive within its wooded setting, carefully aligning its main axis to maximize sunlight, a crucial consideration given the dark, grey winters of the Pacific Northwest. Approximately a year before construction began, the author sourced four straight, 16-inch diameter Douglas-fir trees to serve as the primary structural logs. These logs were cut in early July, a strategic timing choice as summer-cut logs are easier to peel. The peeling process was done on-site using a floor scraper, or spud, and after drying for a year, the logs were treated with a bleach solution to remove mold, resulting in a distinct silver-grey finish. The remainder of the house was conventionally framed around these prominent logs, with the exterior walls constructed using 2x6 framing. These walls were then clad with 1x4 horizontal tongue-and-groove clear-cedar siding, stained to blend with the natural color of aged cedar bark in the surrounding forest. The interior design philosophy prioritized open space and an abundance of natural light, aiming to evoke the sense of wonder and possibility the author experienced as a child playing in the woods. The layout also drew from longhouse principles, where raised floors along the sides traditionally served as sleeping or private areas, while the lower central core functioned as a communal space and fire pit. Although not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the synopsis mentions a roof-wide skylight that contributes significantly to the interior's brightness and dramatic aesthetic. The interior materials consist of a clean blend of glass, concrete, and hemlock, creating a modern yet natural feel. Adding to the holistic design, a separate zen bathhouse was constructed a short distance from the main house. This bathhouse features a radiant-slate floor, Japanese-style shoji screens for a tranquil ambiance, and a compact laundry area. This detached structure further reinforces the theme of connecting with nature and creating distinct, purposeful spaces within the property. The entire project reflects a design philosophy that prioritizes personal vision, natural integration, and a departure from conventional resale value considerations or neighborhood styles, allowing for creative freedom in material and design choices. #HomeDesign #PacificNorthwestArchitecture #NativeAmericanInfluence #LogConstruction #SustainableDesign #NaturalLight #Skylight #CustomHomeBuilding

This blog post features a unique custom-built home located at 3482 Flamingo Ave. on Siesta Key, currently on the market for $5.8 million. Completed in 2019, the residence seamlessly blends Old World architectural elements with modern design aesthetics. The owner, Gary McDermott, who had no prior experience in architecture or home design, custom-built the four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom house with personal touches that also appeal to a broader market. McDermott is selling the home due to a relocation to Raleigh for work. The exterior of the home showcases more than 24 feet of hand-carved Cantera stone framing the double front doors, which are 10-foot-tall mahogany. These carvings include frangipani, his wife’s favorite flower, and a flamingo, a nod to the home's address. Wall-climbing vines and a water fountain contribute to a regal entrance, while wrought-iron balconies overlook a Roman-style pool. The property sits on an acre of land on the north end of Siesta Key and includes a three-car garage. Inside the 4,152 square-foot residence, the fusion of styles continues. An interior courtyard houses a 45-foot lap pool, surrounded by stone pillars. This five-foot-deep pool not only serves as a focal point but also functions to cool the house, reportedly lowering the temperature by 10-15 degrees and creating a natural draft. The pool area also offers views of a large backyard and canal access to Sarasota Bay. McDermott sourced the hand-carved stone from Mexico, emphasizing his preference for Old World styles while maintaining a clean, modern look. The interior features extensive tiling throughout, with traditional furniture pieces and light fixtures complementing updated bathroom and kitchen cabinetry. The kitchen boasts blue azul granite countertops, a material also used around the pool. The owner noted that delays in finding specific tiles provided ample time to refine their vision for the home. A notable amenity for contemporary living is a one-bedroom, one-bathroom guest house equipped with a full kitchen and a luxury office, catering to remote workers. Looking ahead, the roof was intended for further development, with plans for a greenhouse, a day bed, a putting green, and a bocce ball court, adorned with cacti and bromeliads. These future projects are now available for the next homeowner to undertake. Steve Abbe of the Abbe Ross Team with Coldwell Banker Realty in Florida is the contact for inquiries regarding the property. #SiestaKey #CustomHome #LuxuryRealEstate #MediterraneanArchitecture #OldWorldDesign #ModernDesign #SarasotaHomes #HomeForSale #ArchitecturalFeatures

Architect Damon Hills and his partner John Boschen transformed a derelict 1920s California bungalow in Northcote, purchased in 2013, into a modern, light-filled residence they now call the Light Box Home. The original property, a deceased estate, was in an unlivable condition due to neglect and significant odor issues, featuring an asbestos-ridden lean-to and an outdoor toilet. Despite its state, Hills recognized the potential of the house, situated in the desirable Sumner Estate near Merri Creek, an area known for its California bungalows. He appreciated the utilitarian design of bungalows and sought to preserve the home's classic facade while undertaking a comprehensive renovation. The renovation began with exterior modifications, replacing the pressed-metal roof with a corrugated-iron one, which was consistent with the original architectural style. Although constrained by heritage overlay regulations that prevented the addition of bay windows to the facade, the front two rooms, which now serve as the main and guest bedrooms, were retained. A key focus of the redesign was to enhance natural light, as the original house was notably dark. Hills addressed this by incorporating new windows on the sides of the front bedrooms and installing skylights throughout many rooms to maximize light penetration. The rotting blackbutt flooring in the wide hallway was replaced with new blackbutt, and a new bathroom was added behind the guest bedroom. This bathroom features a marble vanity, a luxurious tub, smaller wall tiles, and a herringbone floor pattern, with an innovative wet room design that places the bath beyond the shower to optimize space. The asbestos lean-to was demolished, making way for a new section of the house that includes a third guest bedroom (or study) and a powder room. This new area functions as a transitional space leading to a thoroughly modern living extension at the rear. The design accounted for the property's slope, utilizing it to create a slightly elevated new living section. This elevation allowed for the inclusion of clerestory windows around the top of the kitchen and dining areas, effectively filtering more light into the main living space. The modern kitchen is equipped with Miele appliances, a butler’s pantry, a concealed fridge, three ovens (standard, steam, and microwave combi), and a warming drawer. A notable design element is the oversized island bench with a bespoke linear light fixture above it, which provides illumination and defines the space. The lounge area features a fireplace and a discreetly integrated television that blends into a black background when off. Glass doors open to a north-facing wooden deck, while floor-to-ceiling windows at the back maximize morning light from the easterly aspect. The architect strategically placed larger windows on the northerly and easterly sides for optimal light, with smaller windows on the south and west. The home is fitted with hydronic floor heating and a single split-system air conditioner, relying on excellent insulation for climate control. Hills emphasized the personal challenge of designing his own home compared to client projects, noting the intense scrutiny of every detail. He described the home as a luxurious and spacious sanctuary, a place he looks forward to returning to, even from travel. The postscript details Hills’ observations on visitors' comments, highlighting the unexpected sense of space and the barn doors in the powder room and laundry. His favorite spot is an Arana armchair by Jardan in the living room, facing the fireplace, from which he can view the entire space. His favorite item is "The Mythical Galloping Faun" painting by Jodie Zomer, noting its constant movement and new discoveries upon each viewing. The Arana armchair is also his most sentimental piece, having moved with them through four houses. He expressed a dream of living in a New York City brownstone and described his entertaining style as simple dinners with friends, often concluding with a lemon tart from Babka in Fitzroy. For Hills, home signifies a place of relaxation and unwinding, a special and luxurious space that brings comfort and joy. #HomeRenovation #CaliforniaBungalow #LightBoxHome #ModernArchitecture #InteriorDesign #NorthcoteRealEstate #DamonHills #SustainableDesign #LuxuryHome

This article highlights a unique property, described as a pristine "Byrd house," located in a prime Studio City location. The residence, reminiscent of Robert Byrd's architectural style from the 1920s to the 1950s, offers an enchanting cottage aesthetic, ideal for an artist. The approach to the home features a charming stone pathway, leading to a facade adorned with window planters, lush vegetation, shutters, and original lead windows, contributing to its historical appeal. Upon entering, the living space is characterized by a stunning fireplace and a window seat equipped with storage and original built-ins, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The dining room, which allows direct access to the kitchen, is designed for ease of entertaining. The home includes two bedrooms, both featuring ample closet space and charming decorative touches. An additional finished attic provides significant extra storage capacity. Further into the home, the den showcases architectural details such as wood beams, original paneled detailing, and a brick wood-burning fireplace, adding to the rustic charm. Descending from the den, a marvelous sunroom awaits, enveloped by large windows and opening skylights that fill the space with natural light. Outdoors, the property boasts an oversized pool, mature landscaping, and private seating areas, leading to a dedicated artist's sanctuary. This sanctuary is a two-story studio/office space featuring a vaulted ceiling and skylights. It offers gorgeous views of the property and ample room for creative pursuits or expansion. The article emphasizes the property's unique characteristics, making it a one-of-a-kind offering. The post was contributed by Alan Taylor, an Estate Agent. #HomeDesign #StudioCity #RealEstate #ArchitecturalStyle #ArtistRetreat #VintageHome #PropertyDescription #UniqueHomes