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
by Allen Associates
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
A large pivoting door greets guests at the entry and connects the interior with the outdoors.
Flooring: solid white oak, Old Tyme Floor
by Allen Associates
Flooring: solid white oak, Old Tyme Floor
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.
by Allen Associates
"It changed the scope of the remodel — and the budget — but our clients are now more than happy with the results," says Cervantes.
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
by Allen Associates Armchairs, sofa, coffee table: Restoration Hardware
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
by Allen Associates 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
"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
by Allen Associates Armchair, sofa: Pottery Barn
BEFORE: The old wall divided the kitchen from the dining room and living room.
by Allen Associates
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
by Allen Associates 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
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.
by Allen Associates
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
· 1
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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
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