The Magnolia Firehouse: A Residential Adaptive Reuse Project

ByMyProperty Life

Originally constructed in the 1920s, the Magnolia Firehouse located in Oakland, California was operational until the 1960s. When modern fire engines could no longer fit within the building, the structure was no longer feasible for its original use. “The structure found interim use as a neighborhood church while much of the original historic character suffered the effects of neglect,” according to Baran Studio Architecture.

When tasked with restoring the building the company started with a focus on the exterior condition of the building, “repairing the dark iron-spot face brick at the building corners, removing non-historic elements such as window screens, replacing glazing and deteriorated windows, and finally providing two new carriage doors at the front of building to match the former apparatus bay doors.”

The structure’s exterior brick facade was in need of a facelift after years of neglect. [From: Benedicte Lassalle]








Read another article:Design Trends for Creating a Vacation Vibe at Home

Inside the historic building, new concrete shear walls were constructed to help protect the structure from earthquakes.

The home’s exposed interior bricks are met with a splash of modern touches that complement the environment. [From: Benedicte Lassalle]
The openness of the home extends into the bathroom which carries over the exposed brick. [From: Benedicte Lassalle]

The firm also created a new arrangement of spaces that provide for a well-appointed two-bedroom configuration with “two large interconnected livings spaces with ample natural light from the historic window openings.”

The industrial feel of the kitchen and dining area provide a contrast to other parts of the home. [From: Benedicte Lassalle]
Light is again a focal point of the home’s well-appointed master bedroom which opens up onto the second floor patio. [From: Benedicte Lassalle]

Heading outside on the second floor of the Magnolia Firehouse residents are met with a patio that provides plenty of space for entertaining and relaxation.

Plenty of room for entertaining and relaxing. [From: Benedicte Lassalle]
Read another article:Hot Trends: 20 Best Farmhouse Style Kitchens in White and Wood

On the ground level, the home’s backyard exterior leaves behind the brick facade for a more subtle look that once again showcases the home’s stunning use of windows to provide ample natural light.

The backyard view from the Magnolia Firehouse residential adaptive reuse project. [From: Benedicte Lassalle]
Combining the old with the new. [From: Benedicte Lassalle]

Completed in 2019, the home is located at 3320 Magnolia in Oakland, California and features 3,571 gross square feet.

You can learn more about this and other projects from Baran Studio Architecture HERE.

Read another article:Revamped Small Barcelona Apartment Combines Multiple Styles and Finishes

You’re reading The Magnolia Firehouse: A Residential Adaptive Reuse Project, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

Similar Posts

  • Modern Renovation of this Californian Bungalow in Elwood Relies on Wood and Stone

    There are renovations that add something unique and modern to an aging home and then there are those that accentuate its best qualities and combine modernity with its innate goodness. The Elwood House in inner suburbs of Melbourne is a residence that falls into the latter category with a carefully curated renovation by Splinter Society […]

    You’re reading Modern Renovation of this Californian Bungalow in Elwood Relies on Wood and Stone, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

  • Villa Bunkherr

    Artistic Character The biggest challenge of the project Bunkherr came up at the outset of the collaboration between the client and the architects. The attractive hillside property was located in a former holiday home neighborhood set amidst a picturesque landscape in Hesse, Germany. Due to great dedication, perseverance and a tenacious struggle for the client’s strong desire to build their home in this very attractive place, a construction permit could finally be successfully acquired. The design is based on the idea of a human back, which divides the property into two areas: a public hillside area, which contains the entrance to the house, the garage and a spacious, plaza-like courtyard – an inviting place to share time with friends and neighbors. Even the client’s horse finds room here. And it also has a private valley facing area, which offers a magnificent view of nature. The structure of the building is defined by two building blocks, which are arranged at right angles to one another, the upper floor is cantilevered towards the valley. The private rooms of the parents are accommodated there. Below on the ground floor there is an open kitchen, dining and living area, which is characterized by the room-high glazing. A central design concept was to create spaces for the works of the artistically influenced client. For example, the interior of the house, has sculptures and paintings that add a special personal touch to the timeless, modern style of the house. Only a few materials, such as the white screed, which is not only used on the floor but also on the furniture, and the specially designed wooden boards provide a stylish setting for this.