Point Richmond, CA
Structural Engineer: Bill Lynch
There was some difficulty bringing a modern residence to the antiquated and insular environment of Point Richmond. As is expected with NIMBY agendas, a few neighbors made a lot of noise about views being blocked, density in the area, and other baseless claims to drag out the time it took to get approvals. A few current residents welcomed their new neighbors with fights about minutiae. Mostly, the neighborhood was excited.
After a long and arduous battle with a small but vocal group of people, we gained planning approval. In the end we received multiple accolades for our design, and praise for the new home’s ability to make a modern design welcoming and in proportion to its surroundings. We are still fighting the City of Richmond to get approval to connect to the defunct municipal sewer system.
The new home’s layout draws inspiration from the owners well-loved Moshe Safde-designed home in Cambridge, MA. What has worked for them spatially in that home has been preserved and transplanted to California, such as an office surrounded by windows right off the living room, gracious indoor-outdoor connections, and minimized bathroom and kitchen footprints. Bay views, connection to family, and proportion are the priorities driving this home.