Smith Residence
The Smith residence is an ambitious 2,500 sq. ft. 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms home, designed in a warm contemporary style that reimagines the potential of the site. Located near downtown, the property backs onto Stenner Creek and offers views of Cerro San Luis to the West.
The entry sequence is designed to tell a story and foster an experience to the users. Upon arrival, visitors are welcomed by an impressive pivot door next to a small orange octagonal window reclaimed from the existing home, symbolizing the past building that will be demolished. A token of appreciation for the original structure and the site's history. Once inside, the architecture and circulation direct attention to a central courtyard lush with native plants, which serves as the living heart of the home. The courtyard includes a serene water fountain, which creates a dynamic interaction between the landscape and the building's form. The design further accentuates the connection to the courtyard by pushing all the circulation directly adjacent to it and allowing the living space to open up to it with full-height mittered sliders, fostering an inviting atmosphere that blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor living.
Anchored in simplicity and elevated by thoughtful design, the exterior showcases clean lines and a play of textures, featuring Shou Sugi Ban board and batten, a smooth light cream stucco, clear cedar eaves, and a dark bronze standing seam metal roof. Playful touches of an orange accent throughout reflect the client's favorite color, adding warmth and personality to the façade. A linear stack-bond brick spine wall runs from the entry along the central corridor to the backyard, "breaking off" into a brick bench feature that anchors the architecture to the landscape in the northeast corner of the property.
Inside, the open-concept floor plan boasts 10-foot ceilings, composite wood ceilings, and a palette of muted hues grounded in whites and earth tones. The family room seamlessly integrates with outdoor living spaces and the kitchen, facilitated by full-height sliders that enhance the indoor/outdoor transition. Additionally, the residence includes an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on the east side, providing flexibility for age-in-place living. The primary suite, situated on the second floor, offers panoramic views of the hills to the east and Stenner creek to the West, ensuring a serene retreat.
The Smith Residence is a harmonious blend of thoughtful design, historical appreciation, and modern living, creating a unique environment that respects its surroundings while offering a contemporary lifestyle.