Manuel Oncina Architects-McGraw Residence

1999 SARA (Society of American Registered Architects)- Superior Achievement and Professional Design Excellence Award

A 1,000 square foot addition to a mid-Fifties house in University Heights enhances the architectural character of the structure and brings an anchor to the neighborhood with its tower like addition.

The program called for a new kitchen and master bedroom suite. The addition and new organization create free-flowing space the original house did not previously enjoy. Detailing such as the recessed stair handrail, the recessed wall base, the bent glass in the stairwell and the concealed roof access ladder/bookcase heighten the sense of space. Wood flooring throughout enhances the sense of space.

From the glass block entry appointed with a tropical fish aquarium, the living room opens directly on a large wood deck with stainless steel cable railing through a 16 foot sliding door. One corner of the living room is dedicated to the Sixties-designed drum fireplace set on a black granite base. At night, the fire is visible from the deck and the kitchen. The room is furnished with an Eames lounge chair and ottoman and a black leather sofa designed by the late James McGraw. A black lacquered baby grand piano completes the composition.

Situated on the second floor, the master bedroom suite dominates a beautiful view of the canyon. The master bath on the west side of the suite is finished in white ceramic tile and black granite counters. The tub area is set back from the face of the building by a planter providing privacy and color from the Bougainvillea.

The material palette consists of wood framing, steel-troweled stucco painted with Elastomeric paint, oak flooring, granite counters, colored bent glass, glass block and steel cable railing.

Project received the Society of American Registered Architects (SARA)
Design Award of Excellence, 1999

Updated: September 23, 2008