The house looks somewhat depressed - or oppressed? As if it doesn't really think it should be there.
It has some resemblance to Eichler-homes, built in the same timeframe (late 50s-early 60s), in the sense that it has the exposed beams, and the huge glass walls towards the garden (away from the street. And it has a similar non-descript presence towards the street as the eichlers. But it lacks the lift that many Eichlers have from the slanted roofs that open up and make the rooms feel more spacious. My house has completely flat roof -- with all the problems of leakage.
In the outset I was not very keen on the flatness, hogging to the ground. I want something that raises up...
My first thought has been to lift the roof line, possibly providing northfacing clerestory lights. I was thinking of Michelle Kaufman and her Sunset Breezehouse
I also think the entire entry should be made more prominent and opened up, possibly allowing a view to the redwoods on the other side.
However, I found a house that sports a flat roof but doesn't look like it has graduated high in extreme modesty: it is Sarah Nettleton's "sustainable modernist" home. For more details, see http://www.sarah-architects.com/portfolio/sustainable-modernist.html
But "her" house has the advantage of clear lines to begin with. My house is deeply troubled - from a design point of view - by the odd 45 degree angle of the garage and the 3 different roof levels.
