PLUS

The Plus House is named for one of its notable features, a horizontal band of windows facing 180 degree views of the San Francisco Bay that is intersected by a vertical staircase with a light monitor above.  The light monitor adds verticality to the space, provides a glimpse of the sky above, and brings indirect light into the entertaining areas as well as the downstairs hallway. 

 This project was self-initiated by an architectural duo with the goal of providing a beautiful, practical, rehabilitated home for modern living.  With regard for the heritage of the mid-century modern aesthetic prevalent in the east bay hills, the design expands down rather than up to preserve the original main floor and roof structure.  The horizontal grid of the retained exposed post and beam box provides a framework to program the upper level remodel and the newly constructed lower bedroom level.

 Rising to the challenge of a hillside home, Plus House provides indoor outdoor connections with the use of extra wide openings and makes this modestly sized 1980 sq. ft. home feel more expansive.  The kitchen is reoriented to connect to an outdoor dining courtyard and the flexible home-office converts to a guest room with sliding felt screens. An expansive roof deck, the length of the living level, allows the space to continue towards the view with sliding doors to provide easy access outside.

 An efficiency of materials include the reuse of existing Douglas Fir beams as new floating treads at the staircase and exposing the structural concrete slab as finish floor and wall at the lower level.  Also included is a greywater system to collect water for use in the yard.  This inviting home provides a modern sanctuary offering immersive views to be enjoyed by the owners and visitors alike.