Pro Portfolio: Carriage house renovation in L.A.

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We’re launching a weekly feature called Pro Portfolio: quick looks at recently finished new homes and remodeling projects with descriptions in the designers’ own words. Every Monday, these posts will augment the more in-depth home profiles you read here and in the printed Home section of the L.A. Times every Saturday.

This week:

Architect: Tracy Stone

Project: Remodel and renovation of 123-year-old carriage house

Location: Los Angeles Goals: Maintain the historic nature of the carriage house while making adaptations that would allow the building to serve as a pool house and guest quarters.

Architect’s description: The carriage house’s historic designation meant that the existing exterior had to be maintained, so it was stripped and restored to its original Douglas fir finish. Architects Stone and Donatella Cusma then developed ways to introduce more natural light into the 1886 building by creating sources that do double duty. In the kitchen, light was integrated underneath the cabinets for task lighting and above to illuminate the ceiling. Translucent panels can be used to close off the kitchen, while their lighting acts as a “lantern” for the rest of the house. In the upstairs bedroom, the back of the headboard was topped by a light track, which illuminates the ceiling. In the bathroom, light from one of the carriage house’s few windows passes through a horizontal slat wall, becoming a light source for the adjoining bedroom.

The exterior landscape redesign by architect Amy Korn was integral to the overall remodel. Previously, there was little connection between the previously renovated main residence and the carriage house. The addition of decks utilizing materials similar to those used in the carriage house, the creation of an interior courtyard with concrete slabs interspersed with grass, and a new lap pool and spa turned the space into an inviting area for relaxing. Keeping reading for more details and photos ...

The original redwood floors and siding were refinished in the sitting area off the pool deck. A light strip on top of the custom banquette illuminates the space without having to pierce the walls.

Photo: Stainless steel cabinets, fixtures and a towel rack were used in the bathroom. The custom cabinets were made by Condor Metals.

-- Anne Harnagel

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