In a wooded area of Lafayette, a mid-century home was re-imagined for a graphic designer and kindergarten teacher couple and their three children. A major new design feature is a high ceiling great room that wraps from the front to the back yard, turning a corner at the kitchen and ending at the family room fireplace. This room was designed with a high flat roof to work in conjunction with existing roof forms to create a unified whole, and raise interior ceiling heights from eight to over ten feet. All new lighting and large floor to ceiling Fleetwood aluminum windows expand views of the trees beyond. The existing home was enlarged by 700 square feet with a small exterior addition enlarging the kitchen over an existing deck, and a larger amount by excavating out crawlspace at the garage level to create a new home office with full bath, and separate laundry utility room. The remodeled residence became 3,847 square feet in total area including the garage. Exterior curb appeal was improved with all new Fleetwood windows, stained wood siding and stucco. New steel railing and concrete steps lead up to the front entry. Front and rear yard new landscape design by Huettl Landscape Architecture dramatically alters the site. New planting was added at the front yard with landscape lighting and modern concrete pavers and the rear yard has multiple decks for family gatherings with the focal point a concrete conversation circle with central fire feature. Everything revolves around the corner kitchen, large windows to the backyard, quartz countertops and cabinetry in painted and walnut finishes. The homeowners enjoyed the process of selecting Heath Tile for the kitchen backsplash and white oval tiles at the family room fireplace. Black brick tiles by Fireclay were used on the living room hearth. The kitchen flows into the family room all with views to the beautifully landscaped yards. The primary suite has a built-in window seat with large windows overlooking the garden, walnut cabinetry in a skylit walk-in closet, and a large dramatic skylight bouncing light into the shower. The kid’s bath also has a skylight slot with light angling downward over double sinks. More colorful tile shows up in these spaces, as does a geometric patterned tile in the downstairs office bath shower. The large yard is taken full advantage of with concrete paved walkways, stairs and firepit circle. New retaining walls in the rear yard helped to add more level usable outdoor space, with wood slats to visually blend them into the overall design. The end result is a beautiful transformation of a mid-century home, that both captures the client’s personalities and elevates the house into the modern age.

Residential home in Santa Cruz, CA This stunning front and backyard project was so much fun! The plethora of K&D's scope of work included: smooth finished concrete walls, multiple styles of horizontal redwood fencing, smooth finished concrete stepping stones, bands, steps & pathways, paver patio & driveway, artificial turf, TimberTech stairs & decks, TimberTech custom bench with storage, shower wall with bike washing station, custom concrete fountain, poured-in-place fire pit, pour-in-place half circle bench with sloped back rest, metal pergola, low voltage lighting, planting and irrigation! (*Adorable cat not included)

Outdoor kitchen Heavy up gas line brought from street to accommodate large scale appliances that was planned for this outdoor kitchen

The bounds of natural light highlight the phenomenal unrendered brickwork of the structural wall that was previously the external wall. Showcasing the rugged raw materials and allowing them to become a beautiful design feature within the room, with understated adjacent walls that have been finished in a pristine white that is reminiscent of a white cube gallery space. Placed centrally on the longest wall of the orangery and looking out to the garden, are two large double doors that invite you out onto a patio seating area. A space where the family are able to entertain and BBQ – Weather permitting. Creating a functional outdoor living space that previously did not exist. The far end of the orangery has a large garden-style window that frames the brilliant rolling hills from the surrounding landscape. Opening wide to allow the orangery to be enjoyed as a hybrid space for indoor/outdoor living.

Not only do the homeowners have a grill with exceptional cooking capacity for large and small gatherings, the comprehensive design also eliminates the need to leave the party. This is made possible with the integration of fundamental kitchen components such as integrated storage cabinets, dual refrigerator drawers, an ice maker and waste and recycling units.

A stunning combination of covered and uncovered outdoor rooms include a dining area with ample seating conveniently located near the custom stacked stone outdoor kitchen and prep area with sleek concrete countertops, privacy screen walls and high-end appliances.

Timber frame pergola kit with old-world wood-to-wood connections. The pergola steps down over the steps and on the front has a radius roof to —ever so slightly— mirror the curvature of the paver patio. Also, where the pergola attaches to the home the timber is stained to compliment the home —so this is beautifully subtle —and yet it is a two tone pergola.