Mike
To some extent we will be doing the same - ripping out rather than down.
The house was built along Eichler designs - Quincy Jones/Emmonds architects.
The 91 year old owner has done little internally since the house was built in the 50's. So we will totally re fit. Just look at all the old furniture and wall treatment in the above photos that have been in the home since the day it was constructed..
The walls and the roof are well insulated, possibly done only recently as an entire new roof was fitted in 2005. Structually the home is very good and very thick single pane glass is right throughout.
The house has gas heating and full reverse cycle aircon/heating.
Our architect is aiming to design/extend adding; a theatre, office, family living room along with additional bathroom to the main bedroom. An outdoor kitchen and lap pool will be added. I'm not worried about the outside garden as most is outdated and very 50's. WE will try and keep the Eichler type pool and garden settings as we remodel and landscape outside
..
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A three car garage with 10' ceilings will be added. It will have one or two car lifts also. (Kristens photo)
The history on the homes is interesting as there were hundreds built over there. It appears that the Eichler influence had reached over here in Australia in the 1950's with builders possibly copying plans and elevations out of American home magazines available at the time.
I found the following Eichler numbers interesting...
Santa Clara 250 constructed
San Jose 550
San Mateo 900 plus constructed
San Fran cisco 600 plus constructed
Sunnyvale 1100 plus constructed
Most built between 1949 and 1974.
This house we purchased was built in 1957 - Mmmm not a bad car year as well..
Cheque/check book out and off we go...
Cheers
Bernie