The challenge was to adapt their one-story home into a live-work environment that functioned for meetings with clients and provided privacy for their family. Our second, and no less important objective was to increase the energy efficiency and make the home more sustainable. For energy efficiency we used low-e glass at all doors; Dual glazed and low-e glass at the west and south facing windows and tankless water heaters to provide low energy domestic hot water.

Sustainability improvements included an infiltration pit and Gravelcrete at the driveways and hardscape areas to control for storm water run-off. Recycled decorative wood beams, ceiling boards, and floors were used throughout the home. We added a second story for, an office with a separate entrance, and to create safe outdoor play areas for the children, screening them from view of the parking lot next door.

The design includes a new front entry hall, reworked kitchen/family/dining room and the children's rooms with shared bath, and guest room/ bath upstairs. The existing master suite was remodeled and enlarged to include a walk in closet, window seat/dressing area, and domed ceiling at the bedroom. A garage was added at the alley with a new basement and wine cellar underneath.