Description: The homeowners of this Palo Alto residence initially planned to remodel their existing home, but upon considering the costs and time involved, they realized that constructing a brand new, sustainable, custom-designed home offsite would be a more practical choice than enduring a lengthy renovation. To bring their vision to life, they enlisted the expertise of Plant Design Partner Toby Long, who collaborated with them to create a unique home that fulfilled all their requirements while adhering to their community's strict zoning and design review regulations. Nestled on a compact, level lot in a peaceful neighborhood, the home's design emphasizes a seamless indoor-outdoor transition, particularly in the connection between the kitchen, dining area, and lanai. Long explains, "When the two exterior bifold doors open, they collapse and fold away, revealing a covered deck. We removed the structural elements from that corner, creating a large opening that seamlessly connects the indoor space to the outdoors." In addition to the inviting outdoor integration, the interior architecture of the house exudes a sense of airy elegance. Upon entering, a display wall showcases art and artifacts collected from the family's travels, infusing the space with their personal touch. The open-plan layout encompasses the living room, dining area, and kitchen, with each area retaining its autonomy within the L-shaped configuration. A graceful metal staircase takes a ninety-degree turn in front of a large window, allowing sunlight to filter through its open-tread design. The home was prefabricated at Plant's Rialto, CA homebuilding facility as six modular units (mods). These mods were transported to Palo Alto, and the installation process was completed in under eight hours, sparing the clients (and their neighbors) from months of noise and disruption. Long credits Plant's ability to fabricate and install the metal staircase during the fabrication process, which saved time, cost, and unexpected challenges on the project. Additionally, Plant's approach to installing exterior siding at the factory significantly reduced on-site finishing work, enabling the family to move into their new home much sooner.
Square Feet: 2372
Structure Cost:
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Number of Beds: 4
Number of Baths: 3
Structure Type: Pre-Fab House
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