Its 1970s roots intact, a house is reawakened by a restructuring that honors its perch high above the fray.

Once a dark, dated, and claustrophobic 1978 canyon house, this home was reworked and expanded to 2,700 square feet in 2009 by architect Bill Bocken. The original core structure, consisting of telephone poles cantilevered off the canyon floor, was highlighted with a new coat of black paint, which Bocken says “showcases the unique structural system.” The architect and his team further modernized the home with hardwood floors, solar power, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a large kitchen.

“Our favorite place is definitely the kitchen,” says owner Bryan Leigh. “It’s a bright, open space that visually highlights the striking interior lines of the house—the heavy timbers and poles, sleek stainless steel, and windows at multiple levels.” Those windows now open up the views to the new colorful hillside terraced garden as well as Mission Valley and the Pacific Ocean. “The large kitchen island always seems to become the gathering place for informal entertaining,” adds Leigh. For outdoor space, owner Thomas Hutchings favors the new courtyard located off the large media center and office downstairs. “Nestled into the hillside, it’s warm, but shady in the afternoon, and with its cozy outdoor fireplace it’s an ideal conversation spot on a cool evening,” he says.

About the Architect

Bill’s 35 years of experience include being the design principal of CARRIER JOHNSON, one of the leading architectural and interior design firms in California. Projects include fortune 500 headquarters, hotel, civic and mixed use projects, including interiors for the Martin Luther King library in San Jose and the Hilton Gaslamp hotel in San Diego.

Making a career shift 8 years ago, Bill now focuses on smaller residential projects. His work ranges from contemporary new homes to historic renovations. It is thru the client / architect collaboration that a unique personality emerges and forms the foundation for each home design.

Bill has been the recipient of AIA, CCAIA and ASID awards. His homes have been published in countless publications and featured on NBC, HGTV and the Discovery channel. He has earned 5 “HOMES OF THE YEAR AWARDS” as judged by his peers and sponsored by San Diego Home & Garden magazine.

Collaborators

Landscape Architect: Paul Adams

Kitchen Designer: Lisa Wilson-Wirth, The Arclinea Collection by Wilson-Wirth Design 

General Contractor: Dana Ansell, Dakini Engineering 

Furniture: Amelie Racicot, BoConcept 

Tile: Meredith Russo, Classic Tile and Mosaic 

Cabinetmaker: Craig Thibodeau Fine Furniture 

Abstract Expressionist Painter: Kyle Jordre 

Windows: Fleetwood  

Ventilation System: NightBreeze