A Home Of Glass And Stone Perched Above San Francisco Bay

May 11, 2015

Swatt | Miers Architects designed a remodel and extension for the Garay Residence in Tiburon, California.

Garay Residence by Swatt | Miers Architects

The architect’s description

The owners had lived in Tiburon, California for many years, dreaming of one day transforming their low, one story home into a setting befitting their spectacular site perched above San Francisco Bay.

Garay Residence by Swatt | Miers Architects

Their dreams began to be realized in 2005 with the design of a 2000 square foot addition, coupled with a complete renovation of the existing 3,200 square foot house.

Garay Residence by Swatt | Miers Architects

The site is a half-acre south-facing hillside parcel, with unobstructed views of San Francisco Bay to the south, east and west. Responding to the physical conditions of the site, the new house is almost entirely opaque on the north side where a new entrance motor court is defined by a rhythm of five ‘free-standing’ stone-clad walls.

Garay Residence by Swatt | Miers Architects

Slivers of glass separate the stone panels, creating a strong rhythm while giving little hint of the extraordinary spaces and views on the other side.

Garay Residence by Swatt | Miers Architects

The progression of space begins with a low, compressed entry, leading to a circulation spine. Bathed in light from clerestory windows and skylights, the spine overlooks a new living, dining and kitchen ‘pavilion’, and new south-facing terraces, with world-class views of San Francisco Bay beyond.

Garay Residence by Swatt | Miers Architects

Frameless glazing, pocketing glass doors, and dramatic cantilevered roof extentions seamlessly connect interior space to exterior space, blurring the boundary between the two.

Garay Residence by Swatt | Miers Architects

Garay Residence by Swatt | Miers Architects

Architecture: Swatt | Miers Architects
Photography: Russell Abraham