Woodpecker Ranch

A nearly new construction, Woodpecker Ranch was remodeled for the clients’ aspiration to create their “forever home” – where they could raise their young children and incorporate all of their diverse extracurriculars into the property.

Just south of San Francisco, this remodel endured a complete transformation with its most extreme conversions redefining the entry to the house as well as adding a level of uniformity to the exterior façade. One of the most challenging requests from the home owners was to clarify the arrival sequence of the home, both from the exterior and interior, while looking for ways to improve the curb appeal of the façade. Collaborating with Arterra Landscape Architects, the teams anchored the entry with a large water feature near the entry door, and used in-stepping retaining walls to help funnel guests to a more inviting entry.  The entry stair design was simplified to give it a visual transparency that helps reduce its presence in the space.

For the interior, the team at Kendall Wilkinson Design filled the home with warmth and “soul” with timeless silhouettes of mid-century furnishings offering clean-lined sophistication to each space. Art makes a statement in each room but does not take away from the overall design concept of the home or landscape.

The completed transformation of the home demonstrates the expected credentials of a modern farmhouse, while implementing the personal touches of the clients’ design and living aspirations. The result delivers a contemporary yet comfortable “forever home” for the Bay Area family to enjoy for years to come.

PROJECT TEAM:

Contractor: Clarum Homes

Interior Designer: Kendall Wilkinson Design

Landscape Architect: Arterra Landscape Architects

Structural Engineer: Max Chen & Associates, Inc.

Civil Engineer: Clifford Bechtel & Associates

Photography: Paul Dye

A nearly new construction, Woodpecker Ranch was remodeled as a result of the clients’ aspiration to create their “forever home;” a house where they could raise their young children and incorporate all of their diverse extracurriculars into the property.

A modern bohemian home, filled with warmth and “soul,” this contemporary American farmhouse was the perfect fit for a couple and their two children. The timeless silhouettes of mid-century furnishings offer clean-lined sophistication to each space and are paired expertly with newly designed pieces for a fresh feel. Art makes a commanding statement in each room but does not take away from the overall design concept of the home nor the natural landscape, filled with native oaks. Special attention and care were paid to the kitchen and downstairs music room, providing singular spaces for the wife (an avid chef) and husband (a long-time musician) to enjoy their passions.

This Woodside remodel endured a complete transformation, with its most extreme conversions redefining the entry to the house as well as adding a level of uniformity to the exterior façade. One of the most challenging requests from the homeowners was to clarify the arrival sequence of the home, both from the exterior and interior, while looking for ways to improve the curb appeal. The landscape team anchored the entry with a dramatic fountain near the front door and used in-stepping concrete and steel walls to help guide guests through the entry sequence. The architectural team prioritized simplifying the decorative stair in the entry and composing a uniform exterior color palette.

To visually unclutter the stair at the entrance, the architects designed a transparent open riser stair with tapered treads and a wire mesh rail. The selected materials blend into the surrounding finishes of raw concrete and rustic wood that allow for the stair to plainly integrate into the space. The stair appears both visually transparent and material neutral at first glance, allowing the eye to see past the adjacent courtyard, to the axial alignment of the pool and heritage oak beyond.

For the exterior, the architectural team opted to streamline the palette of the façade and use a single uniform material throughout. They sourced and color sorted western red cedar, allowing them to simplify the color scheme of the home and retain the modern farmhouse character that had originally captivated the homeowners. The material was also consistently carried through many of the new landscaping features, allowing for a simpler, cohesive aesthetic across the entire property.

The completed transformation of the property demonstrates the expected credentials of a modern farmhouse, while implementing the personal touches of the clients’ design and living aspirations. The result delivers a contemporary yet comfortable home for the Bay Area family to enjoy for years to come.

Material Used :
1. In the entry, Alec Soth’s dramatic black and white photograph “Near Kaaterskill Falls” greets visitors.
2. For the living room Richard Misrach’s color photograph, “Pacific” adds brilliant teal to the driftwood color scheme.
3. The design team paired Danish classic Kofod-Larsen Seal chairs with a sophisticated tuxedo arm sofa, complementing the neutral color palette that fuses the public and private rooms.