The Winnett House is a residential project for an extended family in northern Santa Monica consisting of the remodel of an existing 2000SF single-story ranch home.

The design was impeded by several zoning restrictions which necessitated that this project be defined as a remodel. As a result, only 50% of the existing square footage could be added to the project. To respond to both the clients’ needs and these restrictions, kdA designed a new steel structure to be placed over and around the existing wood-framed house, creating an upper level with roof gardens. All three bedrooms were located to take advantage of views and are shifted in plan to conform to the restrictive second story setbacks.

Interior walls on the first floor were removed to create an open, loft-like space in the living/dining and kitchen. Corners of the existing first floor roof and walls have been sliced away to balance the geometries of the new second floor addition. The relatively small bedrooms are made larger by locating one single large opening that looks out to the view and in some cases opens onto the new roof garden. The exterior stucco is coated with bright orange elastomeric to create a monolithic appearance. The garage is planted with an intensive green roof to be used as an herb and vegetable garden.

Ten years after its completion, changes in local regulations permitted the construction of an additional 600SF guest house and screening room. The geometry of the original building is reflected in an additional bar added to the rear of the property, which engages with the surrounding landscape. A lap pool parallels the addition.