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Houzz Tour: Happy Clients Unwrap a New Home on Christmas
The completion of this California remodel was a gift with perfect timing — and the new openness and fireproof features keep on giving
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Project manager Ben Cervantes pushed especially hard for the quick completion of this Santa Barbara, California, remodel. "My clients lost their beloved home of 30 years in the 2008 wildfires, so our team and, of course, architect Richard Warner wanted to come through for them by completing this home remodel by Christmas Day," says Cervantes. And come through they did — the clients not only came home to a completed house, but more important, to a fireproof home with a seamless indoor-outdoor connection and an expansive grand room filled with natural light.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A sociology professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a graphic designer and illustrator
Location: Santa Barbara, California
Size: 2,400 square feet
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A sociology professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a graphic designer and illustrator
Location: Santa Barbara, California
Size: 2,400 square feet
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| Cervantes and his team removed the home's existing wood siding and replaced it with noncombustible plaster. The stucco exterior departs from the home's roots as a midcentury ranch house, a sacrifice the clients were willing to make for the sake of safety. The team also eliminated other weak links — places in the home where embers can burn, like wood eaves and other combustible exterior materials. Roofing: fiber cement, Monier |
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A large pivoting door greets guests at the entry and connects the interior with the outdoors.
Flooring: solid white oak, Old Tyme Floor
Flooring: solid white oak, Old Tyme Floor
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| BEFORE: The home had limited windows that didn't maximize its lush views. Partway through the remodel, the clients' daughter visited the house and suggested creating an expansive great room by opening up the living room, dining room and kitchen. "It changed the scope of the remodel — and the budget — but our clients are now more than happy with the results," says Cervantes. |
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| AFTER: NanaWall doors open up the interior to the outdoors. Cervantes and team ran the electrical wiring that was previously stored in the interior wall in a new beam running the length of the room. Armchairs, sofa, coffee table: Restoration Hardware |
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| One of the major challenges of the job was finding a way to support the roof after the team removed a load-bearing wall between the kitchen and living room. In the end, the team kept two of the steel columns, but they weren't very pleasant to look at. "One of our carpenters suggested cladding the columns with 3/4-inch white oak to match the floors and kitchen cabinetry," Cervantes says. "For decorative flair, he also suggested adding an oak plinth block at the column's base." The exposed beams and column accentuate the room's expansiveness. Dining table, chairs: Restoration Hardware |
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| "We refaced the two existing fireplaces with dark gray plaster, turning them into focal points on opposite sides of the room," says Cervantes. Armchair, sofa: Pottery Barn |
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| BEFORE: The old wall divided the kitchen from the dining room and living room. |
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| AFTER: The team used the clients' existing appliances but applied a few cosmetic changes: The refrigerator was refaced with 1/4-inch oak plywood to match the new cabinets, the stove hood was framed and plastered, and Ceasarstone countertops and custom cabinetry were installed for a warm wood and white kitchen. New low-e (low emissivity) glass skylights drench the kitchen with plenty of light. The low-e skylights are more energy efficient than the previous Plexiglas skylights; they block heat gain, minimize heat loss through the skylight and let in a comfortable stream of light. Bar stools: Crate & Barrel |
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| When the clients left the home to visit their daughter on Christmas Eve, scaffolding and building supplies were still strewn throughout. The couple had already let go of the idea of spending Christmas Day in a completed home — but little did they know that a Christmas miracle was waiting for them upon their return. They came back to a spotless house: The scaffolding was gone and the painting was completed. |
Comments
typingmonkey Oh my goodness, I'm agog. So pretty.
6 months ago · Like
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jojo132 Stunning home, bright and airy. It must have been horrendous to have lost their home to a fire but I hope the owners were able to salvage more than just the kitchen appliances. They must be thrilled at how the remodel turned out and wish them many happy safe years in their new home.
6 months ago · Like
· 5
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sindisiwe1 I like how the lights are off on the before pics :)
6 months ago · Like
· 3
3
patricia beharry Love the pivoting doors. When I was building I wanted one badly; only problem was I could not figure out how to screen it.
6 months ago · Like
kbumgar Beautiful home! It's like the phoenix rising from the ashes. :)
6 months ago · Like
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mindyhunke One of my favorites! It looks very comfy and livable as well as being light and airy.
6 months ago · Like
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imissliberty The before pictures don't look like it "burned to the ground" so I guess this is a different house.
6 months ago · Like
Cathy Lara @imissliberty, This is not their old house — it's a new one that they purchased and remodeled.
6 months ago · Like
justj Gorgeous! Especially expanding the space with the door & windows- what a difference!
6 months ago · Like
refilwem Lovely
6 months ago · Like
mehrsa wow....as i like......
6 months ago · Like
Kathy Metzler I am so sorry for their loss! 30 years I can't even imagine. I so hope they have nothing but happiness in their new home which is a wonderful mid century! It is lovely.
6 months ago · Like
Brenda Greer Love the home. Would not want a pivoting door in Fl. Too many critters would get in. The new house is so much brighter.
5 months ago · Like
Harrut A really beautiful home and I adore the kitchen.
5 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on Dec. 4, 2012.
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