Two converging wings create a glass-clad fissure in the renovated mid-century Bal House

Berkeley-based Terry&Terry Architecture renovated an existing mid-century ranch house in Menlo Park, California into the perfect home for a retired couple.

The wonderful two-volume timber dwelling opens up toward its surroundings through large openings and terraces, drawing nature inside - all while providing optimal levels of accessibility. The architects renovated parts of an existing structure and added two floating volumes-one comprising bedrooms and the other predominantly functioning as the main living area.

The architects kept the original structure which houses the music room, two bedrooms and a bathroom and inserted a new steel bay window seat at the front, replacing the small existing window. They extended the front entry porch and rebuilt it with hardwood decking. The fireplace chimney was reconstructed, and storage wall was incorporated into the core of the structure.

Comprising the main living space, kitchen, dining and media area, the first volume features large openings and voids that open up onto a deck at the rear garden. The second volume is located on the west side of the house and encompasses parts of the existing structure. These two wings then converge to create a glass-clad fissure that pulls the garden inside, blurring the line between interior and exterior.