LEED-Certified Team Builds Home With Resilient Rejuvenation in Southern California

Tim Barber Architects’ Craftsman Chalet renovation project puts an emphasis on historical preservation and sustainability 

Established in 1994, Tim Barber Architects (TBA) focuses on designing energy-efficient residences across the country. With roots in Los Angeles, TBA’s portfolio includes estates across California, Arizona, Texas, Colorado, as well as the East Coast. 

“Sustainability has always been a key focus, conserving energy and water, utilizing local and renewable materials and earning a LEED GOLD rating,” said TBA Founder Tim Barber. “With over 20 architects, designers and draftspersons, TBA is dedicated to self-education, sending teammates to learning intensives and seminars near and far, as well as teaching skills in-house, ranging from Revit and 3D modeling, to construction terminology, sustainability, fire-resilience and adaptive reuse.”

One project that comes to mind is a restoration, renovation project to a historic single-family residence located in Santa Monica, California dubbed Craftsman Chalet. Just like every TBA project, Craftsman Chalet reflects forms and details historically found in the region. This home, being a Santa Monica landmark, required extreme care in retaining the existing structure, as well as many tons of embodied carbon.

“We are inspired by the site – the neighborhood, views, sun path, microclimate, mature trees and surrounding infrastructure all make these homes unique,” Barber said. “A deep regard for authentic materials and fine craftsmanship makes the homes endlessly fascinating and appreciated by the surrounding community. We especially like solving the puzzle of integrating modern conveniences and state-of-the-art technology with traditional, vernacular precedent.”

The project team for Craftsman Chalet included TBA as the architect, Hanover Builders taking over builder duties and Reath Design as the interior designer. The structural engineer was David H. Lau and Associates, Inc., while the mechanical engineer was MNS Engineers, Inc. Specifically, the architectural team included a project designer, a job captain and a design associate. All who worked these positions were experienced in the Southern California craftsman vocabulary.

“They worked intensively for two years to design and permit the expansion and restoration of the home,” Barber said.

The greenest feature of the renovation project is that it stayed out of the landfill. Retaining the existing structure saved more GHG than 60 years of energy-efficiency a new building might bring, per TBA. The renovation of the existing 3,700 square feet provided all new heating, tankless water heaters, plumbing and electrical systems, closed cell foam insulation, reconditioned windows, waterproofing, new roof and structural upgrades, solar collectors, electric vehicle chargers and a rain garden.

The additional 2,500 square feet that was added implemented local cedar shingles and bricks, renewable wood products and recycled and reused features.

TBA says the best features of the home are the inventive use of natural light or the VRF HVAC system or smart insulation that reduces thermal bridging. 

One of the major challenges for this project was the temporary shoring that was needed to excavate a new deep basement adjacent to the existing residence. To comply with the Secretary of Interiors Standards, all exterior materials were required to be different from the originals, with new dual-glazed windows that required customization to appear similar.

As far as cost, this project was at the top end of the market, due to the addition of square footage, the sensitive and sustainable restoration of the street-facing facades and significant and sustainable features.

Curb appeal is a priority at TBA. 

“Beauty has meaning: for TBA, curb appeal means that a home respects its neighbors and saves mature trees, that the path to the front door is clear and inviting, and that sunlight and shadow and seasons alter the artistry of the home,” Barber said.

With the recent wildfire events in Southern California and TBA having its roots in the region, several of its projects were unfortunately affected.

“30 years ago, we started the firm by replacing homes destroyed or seriously damaged by the Northridge earthquake,” Barber said. “We now face a larger, heartbreaking challenge: thousands of homes in the Pacific Palisades and Altadena have been burned to the ground by wildfires, with more expected.”

Many of those homes that were lost belonged to friends and colleagues of the firms. TBA anticipates months of remediation and demolition before new work can be constructed.

“We are already busy designing sustainable, fire-resilient homes, expected to be completed by 2030,” Barber said.

As TBA looks to 2025 and beyond, Craftsman Chalet represents the firm’s success when it comes to the architectural scene. As Southern California begins its rebuild, TBA is expected to be at the forefront of the recovery process as far as housing in the southern region.