Originally built as a part of the post-war housing boom of the 1950’s, this existing residence in Culver Crest had little connection to site or the spectacular view. After living on the site for five years, the homeowners, a family of four, decided they needed more space. However, with no place to go, they wanted to stay in the house and leave the existing footprint largely as it was. This would later be converted to a first-floor ADU with a new residence above.

The project essentially lands a new two-story house on top of the existing while the family lived in it. This meant the design had to strategically sit on the ground around the house, with only one new braced frame being dropped in the middle of the plan. The second floor was then built along with the demo of the existing roof, allowing the existing ceiling to be connected to the new structure as it was built.

The design of the new residence was intended to provide privacy from the street and neighbors while allowing every space to reach out to the view. Indoor/outdoor living spaces are provided at every level of the house including a large roof deck with views in every direction. Popouts at the second and third floor allow access to the view from deep within the house. An open vertical spine ties together all parts of the project -entry, separate kitchen and living space on the first floor, and main kitchen and residence above.