Behind the Design: Tranquility Among Chaos

Our clients purchased a 1959 mid-century modern ranch with visions of a new addition and a complete interior and landscape renovation. They wanted to recapture the spirit of the home from the period of which is was built.

The house rested on a site that had great views of mountains and the city, but was adjacent to 2 major thoroughfares. Privacy and noise reduction was a major objective. In the front yard, better curb appeal and a more graceful entry to the house were desired. In the backyard they wished for a nice cozy patio that would provide solitude from the traffic surrounding them. Other items on the program were a space for their daughter to play, an outdoor kitchen/pizza oven for entertaining and a succulent garden.

A comprehensive plan was designed to accomplish these objectives. The front staircase which was abrupt and unwelcoming was modified to become wider and more graceful. The backyard noise was first addressed with a modern, clean privacy fence. The fence was double sided with a noise reduction fabric sandwiched between the pickets. A new sand finished concrete patio was installed that flowed nicely from the indoor dining room and kitchen. The patio also featured a clean, simple water element that helped make the space more tranquil. Architectural site walls were added to extend the geometry of the house and provide overflow seating. A special succulent garden was added to give the owners a place to experiment with fun exotic plants.

BUILDER: CADRE

ARCHITECT: NEST ARCHITECTURE

PHOTOGRAPHY: DAVID LAUER

LANDSCAPE INSTALLER: FIFTY STATES CONSTRUCTION