BENEDICT CANYON

Harmonious Definition

Defining the front facade and making a clear entryway required a small addition at the former front door. This created both an entryway and foyer, as well as a location for a new staircase to a second story addition over the existing garage. Unifying the new structures was done through shared materials including warm wood tones and gray concrete. Modern spatial volumes and our signature quality craftsmanship now define the style of this home, as “California Modern” and contemporary. Stucco interior and exterior details echo the rock outcropping of the canyon beyond bringing the home in balance with nature.

As you approach, a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows and a 13’ tall Douglas Fir pivot door give the entry gravitas. The wall of windows brings in much needed natural light to the interior spaces, as well as cross ventilation through low-level, operable windows. Step inside onto the polished concrete floors. The new interior space is opened, yet defined.

A two-tiered entryway includes a cantilevered wood bench that spans the entire profile of the new staircase and that ends near a hidden coat closet. The closet door was created by using wood paneling with a flush pocketing door system. The wood bench is an extension of the third step (or first step from the main living area) to the new second story. This design touch created a fluidity and movement to the space while integrating existing and new.

There’s a cohesion and a flow in the spaces now that wasn’t there before. It’s been created by the use of varying wood tones from blonde to dark mahogany throughout the large, open-concept main living area. The four distinct areas of: dining, formal living, casual family space, and kitchen allow for sightlines for this young family, while the space volumes are clearly defined.

American walnut flooring was used for the new stairs stained a dark wood tone. As you ascend to the second floor, you’ll see the custom fabricated board-formed concrete wall. Random board sizes were sandblasted prior to forming, which provides the rough texture and makes the impression of the wood grain more clearly visible on the concrete.

Ascend the staircase to the second-floor living space. This room is perfect for entertaining with a gas fireplace and exterior glass doors that lead to a balcony. Pocketed doors disappear into the wall. Above the balcony you’ll note a custom fabricated large metal louvered shade trellis. This controls the amount of direct sunlight entering the large glass doors during the hot summer months. There is also a private bedroom, bathroom, and closet suite on this new level. When needed, a 10’ tall walnut panel can be pulled from the wall to create privacy for the second-floor living space.