The Henricksen family retained Platt/Whitelaw Architects to provide a 1500 square foot, multi-level addition, with a large deck and landscaping, to an existing 2,341 square foot single family residence in Solana Beach. The project is in the coastal conservancy zone, and so required a coastal permit along with the Solana Beach View Ordinance review process.

The existing house sits on a sloping lot with a large backyard. The addition extends toward the backyard below, connecting with it by using a system of multi-level decks which create the previously-lacking flow between interior and exterior spaces.

The addition of a large living room with a gable and window wall opens the house to the deck and backyard. The room's high ceiling with white painted trusses brings daylighting and natural ventilation deep into the living spaces and adds a light and airy feeling to the entire house.

The addition of a master bedroom and study loft completes the extension of the house toward the backyard. This addition encloses on one side a quiet, passive courtyard between the existing and new parts of the house and, on the other side, defines and protects the multi-level deck area to create a sunny and attractive series of exterior rooms for living and entertaining.