 |
The iconic California bungalow gets a facelift from (FER) Studio |
 |
 |
|
Press Packet
For Immediate Release
Project Type: Residential Remodel
Project Location: Altadena, CA
Completion Date: January 2005
|
|
 |
| Project Brief |
Merging a front porch mentality with the natural beauty and mild weather of Southern California, the architects at (fer) Studio transformed a small bungalow into a roomy dwelling by gently merging the house and yard into a single indoor/outdoor living space.
The remodel project, which took nearly three years to complete, was done with a minimal construction budget, in two phases separated by a year, and without modifying the existing building footprint. In keeping with the style of a bungalow, (fer) Studio added area to the home through the creation of exterior patio and garden spaces similar in concept to case study houses of the 1950s. The studio was also asked to give the house a more contemporary feel and style, yet stay within the boundaries set by the bungalow tradition.
The first phase, a remodel of front yard patio and kitchen, consisted of a new open layout, raised ceiling, new cabinetry and lighting. New French doors were installed to open onto an entry porch and step down to the new breakfast patio with a built-in BBQ station.
During the second phase, (fer) Studio took advantage of a large rear lot space that was completely disconnected from the house, but had the potential to be visually stunning. In order to really enjoy the view and open up the home, floating balconies and French doors were added to both bedrooms. Continuing with the intent of blending home with surrounding nature, a single frosted door extends from the inside bathroom to the outdoor shower, enclosed in concrete block with tile interior, and completely open to the sky above. Two new concrete patios with built-in seating were built directly underneath some very large California Oak trees, providing perfect shade for hot days. Along the existing garage, a concrete planter was built to transition into a tranquil water element, which helped unify the concrete work across the entire yard. Finally, (fer) Studio added some up-lighting to the patios and balconies, some landscape lighting, and earth beams, all reinforcing the outdoor spaces.
“The intent”, says Chris Mercier, “was to increase the spaciousness of the small house, by taking advantage of the large undeveloped yard, while at the same time modernizing the house’s look and feel”. Intimate outdoor spaces were created through hardscape walls, patios and balconies, and with various lush landscape plantings. By using French doors to open interior rooms to the outdoors, the home was extended spatially and visually into the yard. Overall, the project acts as a much larger, contemporary home, while maintaining the cozy feel of a traditional bungalow fused with its surrounding nature.
|
| Project Credits |
Architect: ( f e r ) studio
Landscape Architect: Ania Lejman
Contractor: LCD Development, Inc.
Photographer: Jack Coyier
For additional information regarding this project:
www.ferstudio.com |
|
 |
|
