S Y N T H E S I S Equinox house
Renovation, private residence
8,000 sf, Marin Co., CA
Starting with a large existing Mediterranean style house, the client’s goal was to capitalize upon the excellent views of the Bay with a modern renovation. Coming from a hi-tech background, the client developed a technology-rich program that included numerous electronically controlled systems. Everything from light switches to retractable floors was re-considered and designed as a part of a synthesizing a new technical vocabulary. The vertical SS posts of a driveway entry gate recede into the concrete for passage to a courtyard fountain and steps up to a solid maple front door. A bead blasted SS trellis wall floats over the garage to shade new 2nd level bedrooms and provide a frame for their balconies.
Inside, a cylindrical glass fireplace warms the foyer as well as a library of curved frosted glass partitions attached to custom metal bookcases. This oval assembly serves as a foil to views that unfold inside the living room where a series of double glazed window panels, each with interior operable blinds, are tilted to enhance sunshading and reduce interior reflections in the manner of an airport control tower. Each panel includes operable sections for ventilation. The living room ceiling is finished with an insulated fabric to absorb sound. Altogether the effect is cinematic as across the individual SS window frames the familiar landmarks of the bay follow each other in sequence, providing a view of sunrise to sunset at each equinox.
The spacious living room flows into a dining room and kitchen separable from one another by a large frosted glass pocket door. The kitchen area communicates directly to a family room and to an outdoor view patio with a custom pull-out dining table. A built-in aquarium divides the glass breakfast cylinder with is curved glass sliding door from an indoor/outdoor pool whose retractable glass cover converts into additional floor area when closed. These spaces all connect to the patio and an outdoor terrace whose double concrete retaining walls avoid the need for view-blocking balustrades. The terrace leads to a master bedroom suite and office that each enjoy superb views and custom steel faced fireplaces.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
before
after
before
after
<
>
Equinox House
Workspaces