Project Description
When your clients are a Brazilian family of 5 that is accustomed to living in modern luxury on 8 lush acres in Brazil, one wouldn’t think that a 1950’s traditional tract home could become their new “tropical” dream-home…The existing 1,989 SF house did not benefit from the site, climate, daylighting, or maximize on Back-bay views. With their focus to bring in the balmy climate and to take full advantage of its stunning surroundings the Gomes residence had different priorities for their new house but agreed that an open floor plan and midcentury style were musts. Previously a worn-out ’60s ranch home, the remodeled version effectively combines vintage and modern styles in a clean and airy design. We started by keeping the original garage intact, then positioned a new 2nd garage for some fortitude to address the adjacent busy 5-way intersection. Once past the front gate at what was once a breezeway, everything is private and flows, and steps up to the 2nd story mass. Site lines are immediately set up through spaces, towards the rear patio/back-bay. At the previously unusable sideyard, we added a media, office room & side patio, expanded the kitchen, and created a great room that completely opens up to blend with the patio. The pool is solar heated and passive solar shading is used throughout this 4,000 SF home that “lives large” and year-round, blending heated patios with interiors while providing indirect natural light. Interior/exterior materials and furnishings are used interchangeably, with lush landscaping and warm wood floors/accents to warm up the simplicity of stucco & concrete.