Kellogg Concepts is providing architectural planning and design services for remodel of a 1911 Berkeley “secession style” home, originally designed by John Hudson Thomas. Services include planning for a new 2-car garage and integrated design workshop, and new front yard sitework.
The existing house is a large two story craftsman with steep hip roofs, generous overhanging eaves and “secession style” detailing. The property is large, non-rectangular, with 10% slope down to the street frontage. The house is sited in the center of the property facing straight south, which is angled away from the street frontage. The original design did not include a garage and the main entry to the house was hidden away from the street frontage by the projecting living room bay. And the property also includes a mature redwood at the south property line adjoining the desired location for the new garage.
Existing House – South Elevation
Existing House – Living Room Bay
This project provided a challenging opportunity to design the new 2-car detached garage and integrated design workshop, reflecting the style and detailing of the existing house and complying with Planning front and side yard setback requirements. The best solution was to locate the garage parallel to the existing house in the front yard, meeting setback requirements, but at a lower elevation for direct access from the street and enabling the panoramic views from the living level of the house to be retained over the garage hip roof. This siting also respected the proximity to the adjoining mature redwood. The positioning of the garage included creation of a new walkway and series of entry courts and new landscaping that visually identify and lead to the main entry of the house. The design workshop included a separate entry and outdoor space with light and views. And the design detailing reflects the style of the original house including use of hip roof and overhanging eaves, scale of fenestration, and stucco corner piers and ornamentation.
The design options were developed in 3D SketchUp, with views that enable the Client to select the most appropriate solution to enhance the siting and scale of the project. SketchUp provides an complete model with accurate dimensions and 3D inter-relationship of components, which can be transferred to plans, sections, and elevations necessary for complete project documents.
Jim Kellogg Principal,
Kellogg Concepts
Kellogg Concepts 