Weisbach Architecture and Design

May 2016

Local site and circumstance always create the starting point for a new project. At the property on Scott Street, a small 1940’s era summer cottage and detached garage had been added on to over time into an oddly-constructed warren of uninspired spaces. The prior owner had also added a small pool, and built a fence and pergola to separate the house and pool from a large, empty front yard. At the client’s request, and to take advantage of current zoning requirements, we removed the later additions but left the original cottage structure in place. We designed a plan that attached the original cottage to a new house by a glazed passageway, and renovated the cottage as a legal second unit. We located the new house along the side and front of the lot, in effect creating a “U” shaped composition around a central courtyard, which opens to the southeast and wraps around the existing pool. Adjusting the geometry of the wall separating the living and dining space from the pool courtyard resulted in a canted wall, which became a central feature of the design.

Saint Helena, CA