Site A dark and dingy Eichler House
This home hadn't been updated, and was not in good condition. The owners were concerned about the fire safety and appearance of the wood paneling, and couldn't stand living in the dark.

Program Modernize and Brighten
We added a large window, transforming the master bedroom, put down bamboo flooring throughout, and replaced cabinetry, tile, fixtures, and painted the place white. The new detailing was clean and modern, with flush surfaces, stainless steel, bamboo, and Grohe fixtures.

Exploration How will wood floors and white paint change an Eichler?
What will happen to a doow house if we paint the walls white, replace the decrepit sliding doors with solid, white-framed doors, and paint the ceilings white? Will additional skylights and windows also be needed to make the place bright?

Solution
Reconfigure small spaces: The bathrooms are reconfigured, with the master bathroom receiving a large walk-in shower and a better window that allows more even lighting, and the guest bathroom taking over the hallway space that used to lead to an exterior door.

Spend where it's important: The owners and their guests will notice the expensive items like a custom bamboo vanity, high-quality lights and plumbing fixtures, reasonably-priced but stylish tile, and flush detailing. Unless we told you about it here, you'd never know they saved some money by getting some accessories and the guest bathroom vanity/sink from IKEA!

Windows flush up against walls: The original house had some windows flushed up to the sidewalls of the rooms - we took this farther, allowing more even lighting.

KA Project Team
John Klopf, AIA, CGBP
Barbara Shands

Contractor
Calvert Ventures, contact Henry Calvert: 650-444-2200

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