I looked at the before pictures, which raise some questions: How does the addition of so much more glass affect energy use in this house? And: Can someone in the long run be truly comfortable when constantly on view to their neighbors? I saw no window coverings in the after pictures.
I would like to see more articles on remodeling that address how to cope with climate change, preferably in a pragmatic, affordable and accessible way, and in a way that provides a net benefit to help reverse our catastrophic trajectory. This past summer should be wake-up call.
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I saw the old pics and the new view is everything!
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The article makes clear that the legitimate purpose of expanding one’s home in Sausalito is to address a serious housing shortage in the Bay Area, “...allowing an increase in floor area for homeowners building accessory dwelling units (or secondary residences, like in-law suites).”
Unfortunately, it appears that this accessory dwelling unit on this property will not ease the housing shortage in Marin County, but instead it is being used as a “man cave” for a 63 year old “boyfriend.”
My takeaway from this article is that a million dollar makeover will serve only to increase the lifestyle of the already privileged owner, rather than help ease the stress on the rental market for those who are much less fortunate.
Note that in the Bay Area is a six figure salary may be considered low income. I suggest that the resources of relatively wealthy landowners be coupled with talents of architects to help make the Bay Area a more livable place for all people, not just the the fortunate few. This was, after all, the intent of Sausalito’s move to relax building regulations.
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Wow, what a pad! That's what I'm talkin' bout. What a great job you did on the house! My kind of place! Enjoy! And...take a bow!
@JENNIFER WEISS ARCHITECTURE -
the correct link is http://jenniferweissarchitecture.com/ where you can find some interesting before/after photos as well as plans showing the changes.
As with all NYT articles re renovations, I wish some of these could be added to the original story.
@NK
Thank you for the correct link! Yes, it's fun to see the plans and the before photos.
With all due respect, this structure is beautiful only if your idea of renovating a mid century home is to put coats of white paint over natural wood, “remuddling” a once elegant and properly scaled home into another Marin McMansion with a Home Depot makeover. I’m sorry to report that it looks blah and soulless.
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Stunning in every way...
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Yes - beautiful..... mostly because of the huge amount of glass showing that lovely scenery. BUT - one could never build or remo a house like that in San Diego because San Diego strictly limits the amount of glass windows/doors due to concerns of losing heat and/or needing excess cooling depending on the season. It doesnt seem that there is a way to insulate the mostly glass houses here.
So.. was it a problem getting building permits for all that glass?? Does the Bay area concern itself with the glass issue at all?? I assume all the glass is double pane glass... but even so San Diego puts limits on it.
thanks deb porter
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@debporter
Thank you! You are right. It would be hard to get this much glass in a newly constructed home in California because of the energy code. The reason we could do it here was because it was a remodel. There was no insulation in the walls or roof before, we were able to prove that we improved the performance of the home so much that we could have the extra glass, which is double pane. One of the few benefits of a remodel vs new!
I always enjoy reading the real estate section and especially reading about beautiful, intelligent and thoughtful remodels. I was especially delighted when I read Carrie’s father brought down some of his Japanese maples for the garden. I worked with him for a little while when he was still grafting and selling maples, and I have never forgotten the experience. How very like him to bring many more maples than asked for. I imagine he also planted them, too. What a wonderful legacy.
Thank you for the article.
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@sallyatscattercreek
Dad will be thrilled to hear you mentioned him. Yes he planted the trees and he and mom come take care of the trees and the cat regularly when we travel. They are each unique and represent quite a range a varieties. An amazing collection. They make the view out every window just as beautiful as the one of Mount Tam and Richardson Bay. I am very lucky!
Frank is a master at pruning, too - so you will have that to look forward to, as well. Give them my best.
Well presented! I wonder, are there earthquake protections built in? Sausalito is steep and structural stability would be very important.
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@Cone Yes Cone, you are absolutely right to wonder. The house is carefully seismically designed and Jennifer definitely maximized the glass within the calculations!
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The beauty of the house reflects the owner, understated. What Ms. Byles fails to mention is that she has achieved the amazing accomplishment of recognizing others talents, great work Ms. Weiss, while not mentioning her own. Ms. Byles is a managing partner of the worlds largest architectural firm SOM. Ms. Byles didn't just look up at the glass ceiling in this male-dominated world she smashed it. For this, she got the house of her dreams. Well deserved.
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@Ian Epstein
You are exactly right. Carrie downplays her role in this project, and her outstanding professional accomplishments - she is genuinely more focused on elevating others. Further, this project succeeded particularly because of how she respected each team member. We were very lucky to have been a part.
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@Ian Epstein Thank you for your kind words Ian. There is no limit to what women can bring to the profession of architecture if we let them. Jennifer is a great example.
1
@Ian Epstein. True understatement would entail refraining from agreeing to newspaper articles that showcase your residence.
A very, very nice house, one can see and feel the beautiful naturalness of simple house design and beautiful furniture.
The house project slide show at jweissarch.com is a must see.
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@Flxelkt
Thank you so much for the kind words about the project, and for the note about the slideshow on our website. Glad you enjoyed it!
3
Really beautiful, excellent house. The photo credits read like advertisements, I would have preferred comments on the architecture.
7
I was lucky enough to be the electrician on this property, and the vision the architect had fell right in my lap perfectly
I loved this property and everything about it
I’ve done many custom homes
And this one was special
The view is to die for
The kitchen is emaculate
And the wall leading up to the main floor is to die for its to bad it didn’t make the photos
The labor that went into that wall was something I had never seen before
And actually learned something
Overall this property is fabulous
And the things we were allowed to do for it
Made it something that we could all be proud of
Farralon construction makes it happen
The way people want it
And Rake electric gave me the opportunity
To shine this time
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@Donald Smith
Thank you Donald! Mark Manning and Anthony Byrne from Farallon and the entire construction team were great to work with and instrumental in creating such a wonderful place to come home to!
1
What a heart breaking article. We had a similar home designed by Bob Marquis not too far away in Sausalito.
1
Beautiful. The roof appears to float over the glass overlooking the view.
8
Rough day today personally - the $395 cat scratcher might have put me over the edge.
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Looking after your cat makes you a good person in my mind, wishing you all the best.
1
Thank you, Tim, for the lovely article. It's such a pleasure to get to share this project and the story with the NYT audience. P.S. We'll post some fun "Before" photos on our website soon (www.jweissarch.com)
9
So, what did it look like before she started?
5
nicely done. I would surmise that the original home was a Echlier built home
3
Not even close to being an Echlier.
4