breaking news at building Lab

We are interrupting our series on local artisans to bring your attention to new and interesting things happening at building Lab.

pacific height penthouse master bath receives grand award

Together with a group of distinguished architects and designers, building Lab is a winner in this year' Remodeling Design Awards, a prestigious, national competition.

Here is what our design team says:
Having recently purchased a condominium in a late 19th century building, this Swedish couple saw the sharing of the master bath with their guests a shortcoming worth resolving sooner than later. They turned to our team to create an en-suite master bath with a modern spa-like feel that works harmoniously with the original detailing.

With adequate storage elsewhere, we co-opted an existing closet into the new master bath which resulted in an ample if not enormous foot print. The couple's decidedly Scandinavian sensibilities prompted us to keep the material palette simple and neutral thus allowing the space and light to speak for themselves. Tall skinny mirrors emphasize the height of the room and saturate all corners with reflected light. Suspended walnut cabinetry contributes a tactility and warmth. Subtle custom details such as the integral LED lighting wrapping around the mirrors invite closer examination. But perhaps the most successful quality of the project is the expansive sense of space and lightness. Read the entire blog from Remodeling.com. See video.

project starts and completions

A bold move to create precious space in San Francisco by digging down: a stylish and functional lower level (family/office/entertainment/outdoor) is in its final stage of completion (see photo above left). In this project, modern design is inserted seamlessly under a traditional residence in the St. Mary neighborhood.
A whole-house remodel of a custom mid-century nestled in a redwood grove in Atherton. Rebuilt from the ground up, this high end renovation reconfigures the public spaces to improve flow, function, and connections to the landscape. More to come: elegant finishes to complement the client's artwork, and dramatic natural and artificial lighting. (Photo above right.)

more whole-house remodels

upper left: multi levels in Bernal Height connected via dramatic stairs. Steel moment frame set in place, ready for the 2-story glass wall overlooking back garden.
upper right: modern ranch project in San Jose optimizes flow, continuity, and distinction of the public spaces and enhances indoor-outdoor living.
lower left: whole-house remodel in Greenbrae includes kitchen, dining, living, with focus on finishes, organization, and flow between spaces.
lower right: whole-house remodel in San Anselmo balances spacial efficiency with a sense of depth and expansiveness and connection to the outdoor.