Designing a house that blends in with neighboring homes is a common goal for many architects. Michael Kollin, AIA, president of Kollin Altomare Architects in Long Beach, Calif., had a different goal and focused instead on what he and his wife wanted when designing their Long Beach house.

The home’s original structure was built in 1929, as are most other houses in this neighborhood. “A lot of people have renovated their homes with a multitude of different styles. Even though our house doesn’t blend in, there are a number of other houses that don’t blend in,” Kollin says.

Building codes were partly responsible for Kollin’s decision to renovate his house rather than tear it down and rebuild.

“When we started the renovation process we decided to save the front half of the house which included an original kitchen and living room. We also saved some of the existing walls and raised flooring system. If you save 50 percent of the walls, it’s considered a remodel not new construction,” he says, alluding to the cheaper permits for remodeling.

Island Influence

As an architect who practices frequently in Hawaii, tropical design inspired the style of Kollin’s house. “I wanted to bring some of the tropics home with me so I’d feel like I’m on vacation when I come home from work,” Kollin adds.