Master Balcony (Owner photo)
DESIGN SCHEMES
Conceptual CAD renderings of ocean vista, 2-story remodel, guest suite & patio with architectural open plan design & building plans by ENR architects, Granbury, TX 76049
A handy, empty-nester couple, nearing retirement, sold their mansion, and purchased a fixer-upper on a sunlit hillside that features the spectacular ocean view of the Channel Islands. ENR architects was hired to assist with making minor enhancements to the plan, integrating the lower level parking court, and adding a patio deck. The owner, a retiring engineer, took on the responsibilities of general contracting during construction.
Our collaboration included opening the kitchen to the Living-Dining space, so all can enjoy the ocean view. A balcony was added to second floor Master Study, with a new laundry room below it. Both bathrooms were modestly enlarged to provide more spacious showers. Lastly, the Entry Foyer was opened to ceiling height into the Living Room.
In California, ocean views inherently include relentless west sunshine, and formidable interior heat gain. Multiple design studies explored various means to incorporate shading and solar screening measures to permit the view, and to reduce heat gain. Additional studies featured more substantial proposed additions, including a lower level guest suite, and a detached office.
A key feature, is the addition of a raised, covered entry porch, where passengers and goods can be offloaded, prior to parking on the lower level. The new porch also provides a secondary transition around the structure to the ocean view, split-level patio.
A 2nd phase included the suggestion of rebuilding the lower covered parking to include a roof deck, rooftop guest suite, and solar electricity, which was successfully completed. The property is now mildly reminiscent of the Sea Ranch community.
With the blessing of year-round comfortable weather, and ever-changing, dynamic views, the successfully remodeled home takes full advantage for a new generation of colorful living.
Eric Neahr Rohlfing
Architect,
TX#-18077,
CA#-29654,
LEED-AP
"You also need to take credit for our site plan. We finished the garage, moved the driveway per your plan, and added hardscape. The garage was also some of your doing. We flattened the roof line and added a shed on top which was one of your suggestions.
The shed looks like a 'mini-me' of the house and has the same killer view.
It is all fed from the solar panels with backup batteries. We haven’t had a power outage or electric bill in 1.5 years! (The roof line supports a Spring and Fall maximum solar angle of incidence, and the batteries carry the entire load for 24 hours!) All thanks to the insulation and windows in the original plan.
I used your site layout for the roadway and retaining walls which gave us a much straighter driveway and front yard.
-Bill & Janice"