AB design studio, inc.

EXETER PLACE

Literally built ‘on’ the hillside, this project is a classic mid-century modern house built in the mid 1950’s. The original house had been designed, built and occupied by the original architect and changed hands in 2006.

Our client loved the mid-century modern style and spent 8 months in Scandinavia living in the culture that helped spawn the movement. They came to us with three requests: 1) update the building to current standards of finish and space, 2) add more square footage for themselves and their family, and 3) keep the same charm and aesthetic of the original mid-century modern style.

The first thing we did was remove the wall between the existing kitchen and the living room to open up the floor plan and take advantage of the amazing ocean views from the new great room. Next, we designed a new stair to connect the upper level to the lower level and then completely re-thought the lower level. As opposed to adding a top floor or pushing out the footprint, we were able to create a spacious master suite on the lower level maintaining the existing bedrooms above for family.

Our design includes a new roof and new exterior finishes in the same mid-century modern style. We added new deck space for the lower level and a new cable rail system for the balconies around the house. Every room is remodeled and updated keeping the same post-and-beam aesthetic and most importantly the tongue-and-groove roof/ceiling for the upper floor.

Architecture Firm:
AB Design Studio. Inc.

Project Location::
Santa Barbara, CA

Project Team::
Clay Aurell
Kelly Kish
Karmen Aurell
Diana Costea
Denise Rocha
Collin Curry

Photographer: Ciro Coelho

many thanks to Aramis at AB design studio for providing the text and images....