Mill Valley Topside
- Location: Mill Valley, CA
- Photography: Bart Edson
- Size: 3000 SF
The Topside house was originally built as a 1980’s mediterranean spec house, designed to maximize square footage on a trapezoidal shaped lot. This original plan shape resulted in awkward room shapes, poor circulation, and limited views.
Tyreus Design kept the original trapezoid foundation to reduce cost and permitting delays, but shuffled the plan layout. Living and dining rooms now occupy space where the footprint expands towards a view of the San Francisco Bay. Oversized sliding doors are located on the naturally- cooled, bay side. Private bedrooms are placed in areas of the plan that narrow, creating a more intimate scale.
The idea of formal, front entry was discarded in favor of a planted courtyard serving as outdoor foyer. This allows for outdoor connections without giving up privacy to the adjacent street.
