Words by Adrienne Dyer. Photos by Joshua Lawrence.
Perched high on Gonzales Hill, this 1967 home enjoyed expansive water views but the interior was cramped, dated and in desperate need of repair. Because the existing footprint
hugged the front property line, it made more sense to renovate than to rebuild — a tricky proposition considering the lot’s steep grade, making construction work a challenge. For MDRNBuilt owner and designer Adam Fryatt, who took this home from design to finish, the property’s substantial constraints were a source of creative inspiration.
To achieve his vision of an airy, light-filled space with a muted palette and modern proportions, he and his crew removed the entire top floor and gutted the lower, rebuilding
a new floor plan to house all four bedrooms downstairs and the main living areas above. New top floor walls and roof added ceiling height to the living room, where floor-to-ceiling windows now open the entire front of the house to the sweeping views of the bay below.
“We maximized the windows in every direction we could, using them to bring the beach and views to the forefront,” says Fryatt. The large span of glass creates a floating effect, allowing the owners to enjoy the home’s elevated vantage point with protection from frequent winds. A large, custom dining table set directly against the kitchen island creates space for large family gatherings, lit from above by a runway of miniature pot lights that don’t obstruct views.
To achieve cohesive simplicity with the finishing materials, Fryatt chose white oak flooring for much of the house, stained to match the oak millwork. An intricate, hexagonal kitchen tile backsplash adds interest to the neutral tones of the countertops, cabinetry, and stainless high-end appliances.
In the master bathroom, white tile running the expanse of the wall plays well
with stone flooring in muted grey, with light oak cabinetry for visual warmth.
Staying true to his modern design roots, Fryatt took cues from the local landscape to design and build a home with a strong connection to both ocean and sky. Striking the perfect balance of modern detail, natural light, and spaciousness achieved by volume rather than size, he integrated architectural updates that made the best of the home’s original 1960’s appeal.
