House in the Redwoods
Mill Valley, CaliforniaLocation and Renovation Overview
Situated on the southern slope of Mount Tamalpais in Northern California, the House in the Redwoods remained largely unchanged since the 1970s. Recently, the home underwent an extensive renovation to better accommodate the needs of modern family living. The property features several distinct structures, including a main residence, an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), and a detached garage. Upgrades include new anodized aluminum windows, roofing, a comprehensive remodel of interior spaces and finishes, the addition of a radiant heating system, and significant electrical and structural improvements. A switchback trail was also carved into the mountainside, connecting the home directly to the extensive network of Mount Tam trails.
Updates for Family Life
To better accommodate the needs of a modern family, the interior layout was thoughtfully reorganized. The design brings together the family bedrooms, laundry area, and children's play space on a single floor, creating a cohesive and convenient living arrangement for daily routines.
An over-sized formal dining room underwent a significant transformation as part of these updates. Instead of its original use, the space was reimagined as a spacious, high-ceilinged kitchen. The new kitchen now serves as the central hub of the house, connecting and anchoring the surrounding living spaces.
Material Palette
The choice of materials throughout the home focuses on durability and subtle elegance. Limestone, brushed nickel, and redwood are used for their longevity and detailed in a clean, contemporary manner, blending tradition with modern design sensibility. The inclusion of custom Sequoia millwork serves as a deliberate nod to the redwood trees of the neighboring Blithedale forest.
Interior Character
Deliberate effort was made to retain some of the home's original, distinctive character and warmth. Notable features include a dramatically sloped cedar ceiling with unique grain and visual interest, as well as three antique fireplaces, each adding a touch of retro charm to the updated spaces. These preserved elements provide a sense of continuity and history, ensuring that the spirit of the house endures alongside its new, modern functionality.
Secondary Living Spaces
An unfinished workshop beneath the garage, once used for metalsmithing by a former owner, was transformed into a flexible live-work environment tailored to the needs of the current residents. The space now features a dividing wall with full-height pocket doors to separate or join two rooms as needed, making it suitable for use as a home office, art studio, gym, or extra bedroom.
Additionally, what was once a crawl space below the main residence was converted into a compact apartment, with a fully equipped kitchen, eating nook, bedroom and bathroom.
