The Crown | Oakland

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THE CROWN | OAKLAND

The opportunity to design an innovative space that fundamentally changes the way a business and its clients interact in a mature commercial industry is a rare opportunity. Norman Sanchez Architecture Inc. was given just that opportunity when Royal Coffee, a family-owned and operated importer of specialty green coffees, tasked the firm, along with Studio Terpeluk, to create a bean-to-cup interactive space in which to select, roast, brew, sample, smell and sell craft coffee. The result is a visually stunning, interconnected and multi-purpose space that allows visitors to witness or participate in all of the various functions taking place within. An extensive framework of exposed Douglas fir timbers and glass folding Nana doors allows spaces to be combined or used for discrete functions as needed.  We highly recommend a day trip to The Crown to enjoy superb craft coffee. You will not be disappointed.

COFFEE LAB & TASTING ROOM: 3880 sq ft
Builder: NORTHERN SUN
Photography: JOE FLETCHER

FEATURES: METROPOLIS, SPRUDGE

Grand Tudor | Alameda

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Grand Tudor | Alameda

Located on a corner lot near a peaceful lagoon, this Tudor was completely remodeled and enlarged by Norman Sanchez Architecture and became quite simply, grand. By working closely with the owner and contractor, the firm expanded the L-shaped house at both ends and added new gabled dormers and custom windows, which honor the original architecture. The existing garage was expanded to accommmodate 3 modern sized cars as well as storage. French doors were installed throughout to allow ease of access to the surrounding gardens and new rear deck. The kitchen and utility spaces were completely re-designed and expanded upon to create beautiful, warm and functional spaces. In addition, a master suite and residential elevator were seamlessly integrated to allow the owner to enjoy the home for years to come.

Home: 3BR/2.5BA | 3691 sq ft
Builder: Oliver Builders, Inc.
Photography: Chi Chin Photography

Tahos Rd | Orinda

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Tahos Rd | Orinda

This project consisted of a whole house remodel. The central design objective was to create an elegant and sophisticated interior/exterior while maintaining the relaxed and peaceful mood inspired by the woodsy landscape and expansive vistas. The objective was successfully and artistically achieved by the utilization of skylights, interior windows and French doors leading onto generous balconies. The gourmet kitchen and spacious rear deck lend themselves to both casual and formal entertaining.

Home: 5BR/5.5BA | 5600 sq ft
Builder: Alex Matthews & Sons for L.O.W.T. Properties
Interior Design: Renee Best
Landscape: Susan Friedman
Photography: Heidi Sledge

Crestview Dr | San Carlos

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Crestview Dr | SAN CARLOS

A second story addition to this home provided a new master suite and a second bedroom with an ensuite bath. The home was updated throughout to create a more modern, smart home complete with solar panels, dusk to dawn exterior lighting and whole-home automation systems. The main floor was re-designed to create a more open floor plan and to invite the outdoors in by optimizing the use of existing windows and French doors. A workout room, spa bath and outdoor shower complete the transformation.

Home: 4BR/4BA | 3672 sq ft
Builder: Buestad Construction Inc.
Photography: Chi Chin Photography

Lavender Ln | La Cañada

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Lavender Ln | La Cañada

Past clients requested Norman Sanchez Architecture Inc. to design a new custom home for them. Some key design elements were: a stately entrance to the home allowing for formal entertaining, strategically placed skylights in the kitchen to provide natural day lighting while minimizing undesirable heat gain, built-in bookcases, bench seat and cabinetry in the great room to provide convenient display and storage options and a ceiling of continuous skylights above the stair for abundant natural lighting and a mesmerizing view of the night sky. 

A detached two-car garage, storage room, and pool house were designed around an existing pool that allowed for maximum utilization of the expansive lot while maintaining ample yard for the clients’ young children.

Home: 5BR/5BA | 4045 sq ft
Builder: Owner Builder
Photography: Heidi Sledge

Brookfield Dr | Moraga

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Brookfield Dr | Moraga

The main floor of this Moraga, CA home was completely re-designed to create a more open and connected space throughout. One of the main design objectives was for an existing family room – which had originally been a garage – to become a seamless and integral part of the home. In addition, a custom entry door, stair and kitchen cabinetry were designed in Craftsman style to bring a feeling of elegance to the home.

Home: 4BR/2.5BA | 4000 sq ft
Builder: DC Construction
Photography: Chi Chin Photography

Versailles Ave | Alameda

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Versailles Ave | Alameda

This stately home had seen several prior remodels and additions that had resulted in a disjointed floor plan as well as some structural deficiencies. A thoughtful re-design of the overall floor plan as well as a new kitchen for a serious cook and a true master suite brought spatial order to the home and an elegance befitting its original design.

Home: 4BR/4BA | 2621 sq ft
Builder: Welte Construction 
Photography: Heidi Sledge

Briggs Ave | Alameda

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Briggs Ave | Alameda

This 1870’s Stick Victorian was given new life with a sizable rear addition and a kitchen remodel. On the lower floor, the finished project resulted in a French inspired gourmet kitchen, an adjoining family room leading to a rear deck, and an au-pair suite. On the upper floor, the existing bathroom was relocated to better serve the existing two bedrooms and an expansive master suite with an office nook was created as part of the rear addition. The bathrooms throughout the home were appointed with period-esque fixtures, the original hardwood floors were refurbished and many details consistent with the original style were incorporated into both the existing and new spaces. The rear facade of the home stayed true to the Stick aesthetic with the use of v-groove siding, brackets and a decorative frieze.

Home: 4BR/3BA | 2575 sq ft
Builder: Sunrise General Construction
Photography: Patti Chandler + Photography