Crestwood Re-Model

This home is about connection.
Connection to the landscape.
Connection to people.
Connection to food.

Upon initially interviewing the clients, they expressed the importance of the big backyard as one of the main reasons they purchased the property and the importance of engaging that space. One of the clients grew up on a farm/ranch and spent a lot of time outdoors giving her a strong sense of connection to the landscape and the act of growing and harvesting food and then using it to create a beautiful meal.

The existing floor plan of the house created very dark, compartmentalized spaces with small an oddly shaped windows and rooms everywhere. By applying the idea of connection to the design we stripped it down to the bare bones, opened up walls, and minimized corners by adding floor to ceiling windows throughout the main floor. This not only creates a constant connection to the outdoors but works to bring the outdoors in.

Then comes the connection to people and food. For this family there was no doubt the kitchen is the heart of the home and therefore is one of the primary focal points of the design. The U-shaped configuration sets up a kind of ‘command station’ of the home and allows the client (an accomplished self-taught chef) the ability to see and engage with the rest of the family while she creates her masterpieces in the kitchen. The large window flanking the right side of the kitchen lends itself to a comfortable window seat where her husband and children can read, do homework or relax and engage with her and the outdoors while she prepares meals for them all to enjoy together.

This idea of connection (both real and symbolic) can be found through materials, spaces and other custom design elements throughout the house.

If you’re not looking for it, the custom pull-out table in the kitchen island for example isn’t overtly noticeable until you see the piece of steel inset into the tile floor. The steel leads your eye along the floor to the slit in the island and up to the bent steel table directing you that something is there but also protects the tile floor from damage when the table is rolled out. This table can act as an additional serving or dining space for larger family gatherings as well as provide a more comfortable work space for any family member enjoying the bench. The clients have revealed that their son often loves to play with and build Lego creations at this table – it’s meant to be playful and curious just like their family.