Project Spotlight – Midwest suburban home gets new life as contemporary California ranch and wins local Contractor of the Year award.
Single story homes, most commonly known as ranches, for the most part, have recognizable characteristics such as low rooflines, deep overhangs, a covered entry, typically are one room deep and integrated to nature with backyard patios. The most common subsets of this architectural design are Suburban, Tract, Modern and California style.
The California ranch was originally designed by the Californian architect, Cliff May, and built in 1932. The inspiration behind the design of the California ranch was taken from the Arts and Crafts Movement. In fact, similar aspects can be seen in these homes that were borrowed from the bungalow-style homes.
Main features of the California style ranch home include:
- Wide eaves with one or more rooflines
- Open concept floorplan with a “U” or “L” shaped layout
- Expansive outdoor living spaces with multiple patios and/or decks
- Large windows and sliding glass doors – connecting indoors and outdoor spaces
- Minimal interior and exterior decorations
- Vaulted ceilings in main living spaces, can also be in bedrooms
- Casual, informal interior layout
- An attached garage
In 2019 we were hired to design and remodel an entire 3000sf single-story home built in the late 1950s in Upper Arlington, OH. Our clients requested an open concept floor plan with vaulted ceilings and modern finishes. After several months of design, planning and estimating, the decision was made to tear off the roof and demo all of the walls so only the basement and foundation remained of the original home.
The result is a contemporary California-style ranch home customized to a family of four’s busy lifestyle. In October of 2020 this home was featured on the NARI of Central Ohio’s Fall Home tour.
Click here to take a check out the before & after transformation of this amazing project on our YouTube channel!