D A R R E N M . K E L L Y A R C H I T E C T

EFFICIENTLY BEAUTIFUL & BEAUTIFULLY EFFICIENT SPACES FOR HEALTHFUL, SLOW LIVING IN THE MEDITERRANEAN TERRAIN AND CLIMATE OF THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA

An AWARD-WINNING PRACTICE guided for 14 years by a single focus: the potential—and moral imperative—of buildings to concisely address the fundamental human need for meaningful connection with the natural environment to facilitate wellness, regardless of budget or site.

A commitment to BIOPHILIC DESIGN: An approach to architecture that seeks to connect building occupants more closely with the rich geometries and cycles of nature. Biophilic-designed buildings incorporate natural lighting and ventilation, natural landscape features and other elements to produce a more productive and healthy built environment for the mutual benefit of people and nature.

ARCHITECTURE

Broad experienced in aspects of practice promoting an integrated, collaborative approach to projects, large and small.

RESEARCH

Constant research into how design can improve the human experience enriches and informs the work.

DESIGN

Encompassing a spectrum of affiliated disciplines: furniture design, graphics, interiors.

GR Residence

Alamo

Pushing the Limits of the Accessory Dwelling Unit

An award-winning modern application of traditional materials provides the opportunity for aging parents to remain in their Georgian style estate home under the watchful eye of an adult child with more contemporary tastes.

GMD Residence

Santa Rosa

Renewal

A new beginning for a family displaced by disaster, with an opportunity to form a new relationship with a remarkable site.

DMRW Residence

Danville

Update

A re-visioning of a traditional 1990’s developer home to accommodate 21st Century living with a modest addition, new front porch, updated Kitchen, Master Suite, and Living Room. Energy improves included new windows, doors, and roofing.

TG Residence

Orinda

Modern views

Renovation and addition to a mid-Century ranch home overlooking the Orinda Hills.

Hillside Villa

Santa Rosa

Hillside Villa (Project)

Project for a Bay Area homebuilder to develop a fire-ravaged site to its maximum potential while providing a responsible intervention that includes a primary residence, accessory dwelling unit, and guest house oriented around an existing circular drive.

Accessory Dwelling Units

California

Backyard cottages, known by municipal planners as “Accessory Dwelling Units” are an important component of California’s overall solution for its housing crisis. Designs for three models commissioned by local custom builder Artisan Home Builders empower property owners to solve their needs according to their available space and resources. All three are planned for expedited municipal approvals, are universally accessible, meet and exceed Green Building requirements, and offer flexible options for outdoor living space to amplify the benefits of Biophilic Design.

Model A: 700 sf

Large cottage for longer-term luxury living ideal for aging-in-place with comfort and dignity. Universal accessibility features include roll-in shower. Optional outdoor living spaces make interior open plan space seem even larger.

Accessible and comfortable plan utilizes casework “core” to separate living and sleeping spaces which contains kitchenette, laundry, and closet space. Accessible bathroom includes roll-in shower.

“Great Room” living area increases the perception of space.

An abundance of full-height windows affords views, further increasing the feeling of larger living space and providing access to an optional outdoor living area.

Model B: 600 sf

“Small house” suitable for detached backyard Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) featuring universally accessible planning, Biophilic design, and optional outdoor living spaces to maximize value and promote healthier living, taking advantage of California’s mediterranean climate.

Floorplan opens to the outdoors increases the sense of space as does a minimum of framed interior partitions, utilizing custom cabinetry to accommodate the widest range of needs.

Extensive cabinetry allows for customization of standardized plans, giving flexibility for each homeowner’s unique needs now…and in the future.

Optional outdoor living area, accessibility ramp shown with shingle siding.

Model C: 350 sf

Garden house with compact floorpan that qualifies as a “Junior ADU” in most jurisdictions and accommodates accessible and comfortable “small house” living.

An efficient floorplan makes good use of cabinetry for utilities like laundry and storage so they’re available when needed but out of the way when not in use.

Concealed ironing board, stacking washer & dryer, closable television cabinet, and efficiency kitchen with fold-down work surface allow for safe, comfortable ease-of-motion.