House with History

Nestled on the banks of San Anselmo Creek, this home has history. Over a hundred years, there have been four additions of varying styles. The last of these additions was poorly insulated with roofing and pass through cabinets to the outside of a fireplace blocking the best views to the creek. Our plan involved removing the fireplace and embracing a direct connection to the outdoors and the water creek, converting a cold insular endpoint in the house into a warm space, embracing and connecting the outdoors. While the room has a strong orientation derived from the gable ceiling, we accentuated that with a large opening through bi-fold doors and a roof treatment that wraps the side of the house. While the exterior is brazenly modern, the interior makes use of natural woods and an earthen floor to ground the space. Acknowledging that it is derivative of the original form, this addition dares not to blend into its original style, but to add a 21st century twist to the home, immediately re-anchoring the back yard with its aesthetic and orientation.