Information on home design, including new home design, remodeling, mid-century modern architecture, sesimic upgrades and other home improvements.
Many of us will need to consider making wheelchair retrofits to our homes if we plan to remain in them as we age. According to a 2014 U.S. Census Bureau report, about 10 million people – 66.5 percent of the country’s population over age 65 – have difficulty walking. The number climbs with age, and
To kick off our aging in place series, I want to talk about housewide retrofits for aging in place– those items you’ll want to take care of around your entire home to make it ready for a time when you or a family member may have physical disabilities associated with aging. This week, we’ll cover
Aging in place is poised to become the new black. The U.S. Census Bureau projects that by 2030, one in every five people in our country will be retirement age. Increasingly, older Americans say they prefer to stay in their homes as they age–known as “aging in place” – rather than relocating to retirement communities
Every three years, the California Energy Commission (CEC), which is responsible for developing the state’s energy efficiency standards, updates regulations for buildings in California. Changes made in 2019, which took effect January 1, 2020, bring some big changes in the requirements for new construction. Most New Homes Must Have Solar Systems California is the first
Since I last wrote about accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in 2018, the California legislature has enacted new laws intended to make it even easier for property owners to build these useful units. Quick Refresher on ADUs An ADU is a small, separate housing unit built as an addition to a main home on a lot
If you, like me, are a certain age, smoke curling from chimneys and the earthy smell of woodsmoke from fireplaces and stoves represent the glories of winter. Unfortunately, they also represent a threat to health and safety, which is why it may be time for all of us to think about replacing our woodburning fireplaces
Wildfire season is in full swing here in California, and it’s a sad fact of life that we all need to be prepared in case we get the unwelcome message that a fire is heading our way. As an architect helping rebuild after 2017’s Tubbs Fire, I’ve gotten a first-hand look at how a wildfire
This post previously ran in 2017. Earthquakes are a fact of life in the Bay Area. The same geologic features that create our dramatic mountains-meet-ocean vistas mean we have to live with a little bit – or sometimes a lot – of shaking. California’s building codes are continually updated based on emerging research and lessons
Accessory dwelling units (also known as “granny units” or ADUs) are small living spaces that are on the same property, but are separate from, the main living space. They can be attached to the main home or completely separate. They range from tiny studio apartments to fully appointed cottages and can serve lots of different
Over the next few weeks, I’ll be posting case studies from my project files to demonstrate how clients can renovate and make home and office improvements. The cases are meant to illustrate some of the best ideas for maximizing the comfort, utility and cost-effectiveness of clients’ living and working spaces. Current Situation Client: Working professional
