struthers dias architects - Single Family Residence - Rocha Residence Addition/Remodel

Single Family Residence > Rocha Residence Addition/Remodel

Fremont, California, 2006-2007. 500 SF addition(s) to existing 1600 SF single-story ranch style home. A full renovation complete with three modest additions gives a new life to the home of a family with growing children. Spaces flow into one another but remain distinct with varying ceiling planes. The owners regularly host large get-togethers for relatives, and the open floor plan accomodates rearranged furniture and extra dining tables. At other times, there are separate places for homework, play time, and casual living -- letting everyone stay connected but with comfortable elbow room. Theresa Dias.

A Gracious Master Bathroom with Light and Storage

The new master bathroom is compartmentalized with a private toilet (with its own window), a double vanity space, and a tiled shower with bench seat.
Expanded Living Room

A dated 1970s living room was extended and a bay window was added. The ceiling used to be an assymetrical single slope which felt a little too harsh. Bringing the ceiling back down on both sides gives the room a more comfortable scale.
Looking from Living Room toward Front Door and Den

Spaces are dramatic but comfortable. The front door used to open directly onto the living room. Now by insetting (and widening) the door, dropping a ceiling over the foyer, and introducing a simple arch shape, there is a comfortable separation. The bay windows bring in much more light into what used to be a dark space. A den off the foyer is a playroom for the kids where the parents can keep an eye on them or shut the door against the noise.
A Design Focused on Entertaining and on the Family

The roomy dining room is spacious enough to accomodate extra tables for the frequent get-togethers with extended family. A kitchen addition becomes the life of the party during special events, or provides a quiet, sunny place for family breakfasts.
Light and Drama make an Event of every Meal.

High windows bring in extra light without losing any new extra cabinets.
This Practical Layout serves Multiple Functions

To the left of the kitchen are two homework stations for the kids, and a bar for entertaining guests. Another wide arched wall echoes the one off the foyer, and provides a subtle separation between the kitchen and the dining room. A smaller arched opening gives folks in the living room beyond quick access to the refrigerator.
A More Celebrated Entry

Changing ceiling planes and subtle wall alignments help to give individual spaces their own identity -- but the floorplan feels roomy and open. Here the foyer feels distinct, but the living room gets to benefit from being connected to the extra space.
Universal Design Features Benefit Everyone

The hallway was widened to fit with the more spacious feel of the renovated home. It provides the added benefit of accomodating the limited physical abilities of a family member.
A Roomy Bathroom is always Comfortable even as a Family's Needs Change

The new hall bathroom was rearranged to allow for use by someone with a walker or wheelchair. The reworked configuration also means this formerly dark and cramped space now gets a window.
More Light in the Bedroom is Refreshing

The master bedroom was widened and windows were added. The angled wall at the corner allows for showcasing a treasured piece of furniture (and also allowed for easier vehicle circulation to a rear garage).
A Pocket Door is a Great Way to Save Space

The new master bathroom is separated from the bedroom by a pocket door, freeing up extra floorspace.