sonic space
MUSIC BOX
For the creative family with a vintage Steinway
DAVIS, CALIFORNIA / 2012
Two professors, their children, plus assorted pets, asked me to help transform their 1950s tract home into a spacious, usable, flexible volume for family living. When remodeling, removing elements can be as essential as adding them, and this project is an exercise in paring back and playing with existing elements. I removed the eaves and lifted the roof’s wings to form a voluminous great room, an inviting, light—and sound-filled white box, then added a row of higher windows to bring in the sky.
With a composer and multiple musicians in the family, it was important that the space work sonically and visually. The box houses a Steinway concert grand piano that traveled from the owners’ homeland of Argentina. In the box, the creativity of the space’s inhabitants takes center stage alongside daily family life, from sharing meals to homework, becoming a holding space for working through ideas and inspirations.
PROJECT SIZE
2,330 sq. ft. from 1,142 sq. ft. on 0.18 acre
MATERIALS
1950s ranch home
0.18-acre lot with room to build
Cottage garden
Steinway concert grand
Swimming pool
The new music box peeks out from behind the lush front cottage garden.
Roaming roses and lemon trees line the path to the casual, unassuming entrance.
The family pets have a new favorite spot where they can see the goings on in the neighborhood.
The great room serves kitchen, dining, living, and creative functions.
The piano sits at one corner of the space, perfect for impromptu performances and contemplating the plants and sky for inspiration.
The back of the house spills onto a patio next to the pool, extending the box outdoors on sunny days.
Photos by Julia Ogrydziak
FEATURED CASE STUDY
FRAMING THE VALLEY:
MARIA OGRYDZIAK, HOUSES
Like Music Box? You can read more about it as one of eight case study houses featured in my book Framing the Valley, where trailblazing people—with both modest and luxurious budgets—worked with me to craft remarkable lives.
