A RANCH REVIVED, PART 2

This ranch home was significantly remodeled and transformed  into a vibrant open plan. These photos, with the home nearly complete, show the entry and several interior views.

PINOLEVILLE POMO NATION ART STUDIO

The Art Studio evolved around a circle on circle form,
focused toward the Basket and Regalia studios. These tall, high ceiling studios, have lots of north windows bring in the cool, balanced light ideal for creating their intricate, extraordinary baskets and ceremonial regalia. Looking out, the view, with your eye level @ 9' above grade, is directly into the rich, evergreen foliage of the oaks. Between the two main studios, a quiet patio is shared for work on nicer days. Two other studios are for arts and crafts, classes and socializing. To connect all the studios, a hallway gallery wraps the inner radius.  Straw bale and timber construction anchor the organic form. Area: 4095 sf. Note: if you are not familiar with the Pomo people, do become acquainted with them. In particular,they are famous for their remarkable basketry.

AN ADU aka A 'GRANNY' UNIT

An ADU or 'Granny' unit can be an excellent way to augment family living, most often for teens or elders. Or as a rental, depending on the jurisdiction. Here is one designed for a family who wanted a space 'next door' for an older son. It has a 500 sf garage at ground level with a one bedroom living unit above.

A last note: context is important in any design. You need to at least know the context in order to 'fit' in as seen here with the ADU in the middle. Or to stand in contrast.

A RESIDENCE KITCHEN

The design goal for the A Residence is to transform this typical existing kitchen to serve the extended family. First - increase the size of the footprint so several people, many ages,  can cook and help in the kitchen. 2nd - add work surfaces with more counters and an island. 3rd - add sinks. Sink #3 is for washing hands, particularly suited for this South Asian family. 4th - be sure there are lot's of cupboards and storage. 5th - maintain the open plan with the family/dining area. 6th - add additional counters for serving. 7th - improve the connection to outdoors. Put the main sink directly at the window.  It is also good to note the design process with the A family was very collaborative. I welcome this. 

PINOLEVILLE POMO NATION DESIGN COMPETITION

Recently Kumaran Design submitted an entry to the Pinole Pomo Nation, a Native American Nation in Northern California, for their proposed Living Culture Center. The emphasis was on zero energy buildings sensitive to the culture, place and what is sacred. To begin - the site plan.

Embodying Pomo culture, four buildings – in the four directions – are sited counter clockwise around the sacred center. Enclosed by a now completed circle of live oaks – seven new ones planted to honor each of the seven elders.

While cohesive as a whole, the design and building types for each building differ by intent. To inform, to give options, even to manifest, one building at time.

 

DESIGN BUDGETS

For much of my career my focus was to build and design. In recent years my focus is to design, for others to build, for you. Early on I learned an important lesson that I am attentive to now. I estimated and bid on many projects designed by architects. Interestingly, for the majority of the homes, my bid and all the other bids were too high. Design flaw - too expensive. The projects never got built. What a waste. The owner's dreams dashed, their money wasted. The architect, though paid, wasted his or her time and everyone else's, including mine which also equals money.  So how I approach the design and costs is to be frank - what is your budget? Then I try to design accordingly, pushing the value, utility and aesthetic to maximize what you choose to spend.

BUILDINGS I LIKE

Scheduled to be opened soon - Herzog & de Mueron's new Parrish Art Museum on Long Island, NY. Rather different than the de Young you might say. Simple and direct . . . .

Photo credits unknown. Compliments of Dezeen and Phaidon