#08125

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The project consisted of the demolition of the existing simple house and the creation of a new rustic and detailed home. The major issue to be addressed was the difficult site. To the rear of the existing house is a large outcropping of rock which is not feasible to remove. The new design needed to provide the additional living space desired, while creating a new aesthetic look, but working within the constraints of the site.

To accomplish this, the lower level stops short of the rock outcropping while the upper level extends out over the top of the rock. This allows the upper level area to be larger to accommodate the layout and spaces desired without having to modify the rock outcropping. The lower level is the main entry level at the front while the rear is buried into the hill in front of the rock. This level contains the main living, dining area, office, and service areas.

Since the upper level is larger than the lower level, it has the space necessary to accommodate a master bedroom suite, three additional bedrooms, and additional office and storage space while still maintaining openings to the floor below. These openings allow for a two-story living room and entry foyer with detailed balconies and railings. A large central masonry fireplace anchors the home extending from the living area up into the second story space next to the balconies.

In addition to the interior space and layout requirements, the client desired detailed and interesting exterior facades. With the unique floor plans designed to straddle the rock outcropping, the elevations needed special consideration to create a unified exterior. Elements such as stone pilasters, prow roofs, detailed trims, and formal symmetry help to create a look that meets the design criteria while connecting the interior and the exterior harmonizing the function and the form of the home.