Kensington Carriage House
Kensington, California
Published: Diablo Magazine
This new carriage house is located on an estate that noted architect John Hudson Thomas designed in 1926 for the University of California Berkeley professor Joel Hildebrand and his family. The new structure was designed to respect the historic nature of the site and the original home. A design challenge was the creation of new spaces that feel contemporary and yet at the same time appear timeless. Particular attention was given to the exterior stuccowork, door and window trim, the staircase and its enclosing window fenestration, and interior and exterior roof structure details. The large windows, skylights, and expansive deck doors allow natural light to flood the house during the day. Similar to the adjacent original home, the new carriage house reflects Thomas’ interest in the “English Cottage style”, which made use of heavy, rough stucco, integrated gables with wood sheathing and large timber pieces.