We were commissioned to design and build this first stage interior remodel of an Eichler FC-13 residence. The owner purchased this flipper, hack-remodel of a very neglected gem. This was a quintessential 1960’s era vintage Californian modern classic. The worst crown molding, trim, material and design elements were used in a completely misguided and exceptionally poorly executed ‘refresh’; this was done as an attempt to maximize the resale value of the residence. The butchers clearly didn’t recognize the very competitive market there is for these Eichler’s. Those in original or at least contextually remodelled with the proper design and care and respect for the original intentions of this movement fetch a much higher selling price. This property would have sold for more if they did nothing at all.
We began the process with a measured drawing phase to document the existing structure and help aid us in finding the original architecture under all the changes. During this process we discovered the model number and even found the original flyer on the internets.
After the As-Built drawings were complete we began our design phase. We felt that the years of neglect and the illegal and unpermitted work had to be addressed. The original architecture of Claude Oakland was obviously very well ordered; but the structural systems and grid did not allow a great degree of flexibility. New spatial arrangements that better suit the scale of contemporary living and clients expectations for new residential architecture needed a response. In the end, we felt, the most successful approach was to return many of the interior walls back to their original locations with some minor refinements. Unfortunately the budget would not allow us free reign to attack the project as a complete remodel, so we scaled the project back and focussed on the major areas of concern for the new owner. This was the Gallery, Entry, Living Room, Master Bedroom, Master Bath and Closet.
Phase 2 of this remodel is scheduled to convert the two front bedrooms into a larger master suite and turn the carport side of the garage into an office/guest room, with a 1/2 bath and new laundry.
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