The century-old home in San Diego’s University Heights neighborhood needed to be restored, but a neighboring geological feature put it between a rock and a hard place—the property’s footprint couldn’t be greatly expanded because a small canyon was immediately next door.

 

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Andersen Windows & Doors’ E Series accordion-style doors open onto the pool area in the main hub. The flat roof is an excellent location for photovoltaic panels.

 

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The interior design plan embraces the home’s Spanish-style architecture with decorative floor tiles, arched doorways, and rich wood accents.

 

PIC CREDIT : DWELL

 

The house, which was built in 1927 as a series of segregated rooms, lacked fluidity. Despite this, the owners sought to keep the house’s original Spanish design. According to architect Tony Garcia of Asquared Studios, who planned the refurbishment, “they envisioned an open living room that connected to the back yard overlooking the canyon.”

A substantial extension was out of the question due to the home’s unusual location. The team came up with a way to improve the arrangement while only adding 39 square feet. The property was divided into three interconnected sections during the renovation: a main hub with the kitchen and bedrooms, a “entertaining zone” with a living room and pool access, and a secondary outside eating area.

 

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Home’s perch above a canyon, where breezes can easily drift in, allows for passive cooling.

“With a very minor addition, we were able to create an open living plan that takes advantage of natural light,” Garcia says. It’s no surprise that the residence has become a favorite gathering place for the homeowners’ friends and family, and its canyon-top location is also ideal for making the most of passive cooling strategies, improving energy efficiency.

 

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When the accordion-style glass doors by Andersen Windows & Doors are open, the backyard and the living room become one sunny space.

 

PIC CREDIT: DWELL

In all, only 39 square feet were added to the home, but it feels entirely different.

 

PIC CREDIT: DWELL

Outfitted in a soothing powder blue color scheme, the primary bathroom continues the home’s focus on standout tile work.

Karen Koijane, the owner, adds, “We appreciate being able to entertain, with enough of room for everyone to feel comfortable.” “The expanded spaces were especially helpful during the pandemic, when working and schooling from home became required.