Sometimes an unfortunate event can be the catalyst for a great reinvention. In the case of this Sausalito mid-century gem, a serious car fire in the driveway became the starting point for a renovation that breathed new life into a classic house.
![Living Area and View, interior](/images/projects/Rockrise_Renovation-Living_Area_and_View-INT-08-40-1500x1875.jpg)
Originally designed by renowned architect George Rockrise in 1951, the 2,200-square-foot home offers expansive views of the San Francisco Bay. The timeless pedigree and distinct location gave Richardson Pribuss Architects a strong starting point from which to envision a trained but compelling overhaul of the property.
![Living Area, interior](/images/projects/Rockrise_Renovation-Living_Area-INT-06-40-2500x1667.jpg)
While the original 1,600 square-foot structure has a graceful but quaint massing, the client desired additional living space and a more open interior flow. With the addition of a new guest bedroom and the conversion of the existing garage space to a primary bedroom, the cozy house was able to stretch its legs a bit.
![Kitchen, interior](/images/projects/Rockrise_Renovation-Kitchen-INT-11-40-1600x2000.jpg)
![Dining Area, interior](/images/projects/Rockrise_Renovation-Dining_Area-INT-09-cropped-40-1600x2439.jpg)
![Dining Area, interior](/images/projects/Rockrise_Renovation-Dining_Area-INT-10-cropped-40-2000x1441.jpg)
Richardson Pribuss Architects took special care to create new views that highlighted the “close-in” landscape as a juxtaposition to the overwhelming and grand vista of the Bay. The kitchen was reconfigured for modern living and better synergy with the rest of the home. A new connection was created between the kitchen and a back patio cooking area to take advantage of the lush landscape. This secret garden is hemmed in with a sinuous but solidly poured concrete wall. The concrete work further appears throughout the property, creating an overhauled parking area and concrete retaining elements in the landscape.
![Entrance and Retaining Wall, exterior](/images/projects/Rockrise_Renovation-Entrance_and_Retaining_Wall-EXT-05-40-1500x1000.jpg)
![Rear of House and Garden, exterior](/images/projects/Rockrise_Renovation-Rear_of_House-Garden-EXT-14-40-1500x999.jpg)
The interiors received a sophisticated upgrade starting with new windows and doors throughout. As the previous owner of a photography gallery, the homeowners’ elegant black and white photography collection became the launching point for an interior palette marked by monochromatic sensibilities.
![Bathroom and Tub, interior](/images/projects/Rockrise_Renovation-Bathroom_and_Tub-INT-12-cropped-40-1600x2422.jpg)
![Garden and Wall, exterior](/images/projects/Rockrise_Renovation-Garden_and_Wall-EXT-03-40-1500x1875.jpg)
![Living Area to Second Floor Dining Area, interior](/images/projects/Rockrise_Renovation-Living_Area_to_Second_Floor_Dining_Area-INT-07-40-1500x1000.jpg)
When a renovation project with such a stunning lineage appeared, Richardson Pribuss knew it was their duty to prepare this classic home for its next stage of life.
Photos by Thibault Cartier
![Front of House, Driveway and Car, exterior](/images/projects/Rockrise_Renovation-Rockrise_Renovation-Front_of_House-Driveway_and_Car-01-40-2000x1333.jpg)
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Richardson Pribuss Architects reimagines a 1951 Sausalito Hills home with stunning results. Our Rockrise Renovation featured in San Francisco Magazine.