PROJECT NOTEBOOK

PROJECT BREAKDOWN

Year Built: Approximately 1958 Location: Palo Alto, California

Original Architect: Built by Eichler Homes Project Length: 20 months total, done in two phases

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 2

BUDGET

Project architect Klara Kevane says the budget was ample enough that she “didn’t have to make tough choices. The homeowners wanted it done right.” She recalls they did draw the line at one point, regarding a bathroom accessory. “They didn’t want to spend $200 on a towel bar. They got their own towel bar.”

HELPFUL HEIGHTS

“One of the selling points for this particular house was the high ceiling in the garage, as it allowed for a hydraulic car lift to be installed,” says homeowner Sophie Zhu. Garage lifts are fairly unusual in residential settings but can maximize storage space in a garage or let true car enthusiasts get underneath the auto.

BATHROOM EXPANSIONS

“You could barely fit the fixtures,” says architect John Klopf. “That’s one of the first things we noticed: those two little bathrooms; they were so small. Separated, they were just too tiny.” An integrated addition for the home took the floor plan forward in the front of the house by about five feet, expanding the entrance and allowing room for a larger front bedroom. A small bathroom and master bath, formerly back to back, were combined into a glorious, large master bathroom, and a proper-size hall bathroom now beckons with cheery red tiles.