Arboretum

Taking cues from the original structure nestled into a hillside, the renovation was a response to the existing angularity playing with form and detail.

The site sits on a conservatory of trees, occupying a 200-degree radius panoramic forest view. The Arboretum preserves regional and endangered tree species and is both a city treasure and a good neighbor.  

The original roofline was retained with new vertical slot windows, sliced into wide cedar plank siding, drawing natural light indoors and enhancing floor to ceiling views. Rough sawn cedar walls permeate the interior of the 4,200 square foot residence, cladding both ceilings and walls, fusing new with the existing structure. A new open-plan reveals the angled exterior structure. By eliminating interior walls, the living, dining, and kitchen are joined together to form an open plan. Passing through, the space evokes the sense of walking along the trails, meandering through the forest.

 The finish details of the original home included mitered joints and parquet floors inspired by the 45 degree plan. The bathroom renovations included details exploring dimensionally-folded tile on bathroom walls that flattened as they transition to the floors. The patterning of Helsinki marble tile in the master bathroom shifts from vertical in the shower to a mitered chevron on the floor. A finely beveled angle is integrated at the Pental countertop with profiled edge pulls. By contrast, the thick cantilevered concrete island anchors the kitchen. Original oak parquet floors were salvaged and transformed with a white stained transparent finish to reveal a hint of wood grain pattern and geometric texture.

Opening the space between the three levels of the residence, a permeable, white oak staircase allows light and visibility in-between floors. The treads, supported on a series of blackened posts and with open risers, appear to float on the ascent.