Menlo Oaks Eichler Addition

Our client acquired this 1960’s Eichler in its original condition over 10 years ago.  He entertained several expansion ideas over those years, but held back and resisted any change that might overwhelm the original mid-century character.  We developed a solution that provided a more open connection to the thickly wooded garden, improved the original flow of the house and its integration into landscape.

The initial design objective wasn’t clear in our first meetings with the client.  We generated several concepts as the scope fluctuated between a minimal remodel and a more comprehensive undertaking. Ultimately, after several schematic design explorations, we established a program balancing the original Eichler with an addition that creates a direct connection to the backyard garden.  The addition became a heavily glazed family room which opened the rear bedroom area of the house towards the pool and beautiful backyard of mature oaks.   This gesture is further emphasized by the gently sloping roofline that reaches upward directing the view towards the upper tree canopy and sky. The slim-line steel doors and windows of the addition offer an elegant counterpoint to the traditional wood structure, emphasizing lightness and transparency.

The addition of just 500SF to the existing floor plan completely transformed the original flow of the house, integrating the backyard and pool area with the remainder of the house.  The material palette was kept simple, in true mid-century fashion, using concrete floors, white walls, and concrete countertops for bathroom vanities. Heath ceramic tile for the shower walls and reclaimed walnut sliding panels in the family room added elements of local craftsmanship to the spaces.