Golden Gate Avenue
Objective
It’s all in the name. Our goal was to preserve the golden charm and character of this original 1890’s shingle style home in Belvedere, while updating it with fresh, modern features. Located on a severely sloped lot, the Hadley team was tasked with replacing an awkward, poorly constructed addition with a new sunroom, downstairs bedroom suite, and playroom that seamlessly integrated into the original style. The client wanted to maintain the charm of their classic home, while having all the advantages of a new build, which included: energy efficient windows, modern lighting and electrical, quality insulation, updated plumbing, and structural and seismic upgrades.
Challenge
The Golden Gate Avenue Residence is located on a steep lot and there were no flat areas on the grounds to work from. Additionally, the narrow road in front of the house could not be blocked. Under these challenging conditions, the home had to be shored up in preparation for the construction of the new lower level living area and foundation.
Solution
In order to overcome the obvious challenges, we created a temporary off-street staging area for large trucks and equipment in order to keep the road clear. The Hadley team made good use of excavated soil to build a temporary access road to the lower area of the home. We also brought in retaining wall blocks and rock to construct a staging area.
Residing in a historic neighborhood, the design focused on matching the classic quality and style using intricate exterior trim work. The end result was a stunning timeless home that adds even more beauty and charm to a community defined by character.
Client Feedback
“Tom provided value in the pre-production stage, suggesting modifications that helped reduce costs and enhance the final result of the project. He had input on the engineering side, streamlining the process and costs while enabling us to still achieve our objectives. We really felt he was on our side; looking at the overall project from our perspective, but always maintaining a good working relationship with our architect and engineer. The workmanship and finishes met our highest expectations. We highly recommend Tom and would use him again.”Jody
