Baran Studio Architecture

Architecture & Interior Studio with projects of all shapes & sizes. We maximize resources to achieve high quality results. Follow @mattbaran for insider info

[Matt Baran @mattbaran]

Yesterday I did a 4 hour walk through Little Italy to tour projects by San Diego architect developers.

This small group has had an outsized impact on the landscape of San Diego.

They show what can be done when thought and care is given to designing outside the ordinary.

Some of these pioneers went on to start an early (the first?) school of design and development. You can see some of the spaces used in the images below.

For me, Lloyd Russell was the highlight.

Not only an architect developer but involved heavily in constructing his own projects. His process reminded me of the stories I’ve heard about Rudolf Schindler. Very hands on.

Super cool and inspiring work.

[Matt Baran @mattbaran]

Photos of our recently completed project at 10th & W in Sacramento.

We started with an L-shaped lot wrapped around a corner condition. We subdivided it into two lots and designed two duplexes. One included ground-floor commercial space.

To make the site work, we developed a series of interlocking units that maximize efficiency and functionality on a challenging footprint.

Sacramento was refreshingly flexible. We didn't have to debate architectural style or fight parking minimums. We started with three parking stalls and ended with none. Every parking space was replaced with bike parking.

Turns out you can build housing without relitigating 1958.

*sketch made with pencil
*images made with a camera
*building made with wood, cement, concrete, glass, metal, vinyl and other various materials.

[Matt Baran @mattbaran]

New project in Kensington. Renderings using ChatGPT. Come at me.

(Revit output ⬇️)

[Matt Baran @mattbaran]

Testing a series of ideas for a small lot subdivision on a single family lot in Southern California using SHRA (SB-1123). ➡️

Under new state law, most properties in California are eligible for additional density, even if they already have an existing home. 😃

This project would implement the remainder lot provision for the existing single family house, creating 4 to 5 units total. 🏘️

[Matt Baran @mattbaran]

What is a a bay window?

When we started this project the neighbors were watching very closely.

They told us they weren’t concerned with what we did so long as we followed the rules.

I don’t think I’ll ever understand a world view that values obedience over actual thinking but ok, let’s do that.

The rules allowed existing square footage to remain, and allowed certain shape and size limits on bay windows.

The new design fit into the existing footprint, and added a new, connected bay window, inscribed in the limits (see drawing below).

The result was a form that turned the corner to focus the space onto the view of the skyline.

In the end I love that it looks as through the architecture is its turning its head toward the view…

[Matt Baran @mattbaran]

We now officially have the ‼️ FIRST ‼️ project to use SHRA (SB 684 / 1123) in Emeryville.

This makes a total of 6 cities. 🏘️

Being first can be a challenge, but we’ve been fortunate enough to have done hundreds of small lot units before the current law was passed.

So far city staff has been willing to learn from our previous experience. Procedure (ministerial approval) and turnaround time (60 day shot clock) is being met. ⏰ 💵

[Matt Baran @mattbaran]

It’s ‼️ MAKEOVER MONDAY ‼️ again!!!

What would you do to max out return? (Or win an AIA Award, either way.)

[Matt Baran @mattbaran]

And just for fun, animated views.

[Baran Studio Architecture @BaranStudioArch]

Follow @mattbaran for more detailed process and project information!

[Baran Studio Architecture @BaranStudioArch]

🚨 BARAN STUDIO ARCHITECTURE has been subdividing small lots for over 20 YEARS! 🕰️🕰️

We now have a portfolio of HUNDREDS of units! 🏘️🏘️🏘️

Now we’re using SB 684 and 1123 to INCREASE DENSITY all over California!☀️ ☀️

Follow us to see how!

[Matt Baran @mattbaran]

Very excited to share progress on a new project in So Cal. ☀️☀️☀️

16 units in a complex combination of ADU law and SHRA (SB 684 & 1123). ✍️

Breakdown is 2 rehabbed existing units, 4 new ADUs (3 detatched, 1 attached) with a 10 unit subdivision. 🏘️🏘️

More updates coming soon!

[Matt Baran @mattbaran]

When everything has changed around an older structure — the city, the people, the function, the technology — it needs to embrace change to continue to exist.

When we’re given an existing architecture, we look to see what it can and wants to become.

[Baran Studio Architecture @BaranStudioArch]

Check out Baran Studio’s Armory Lofts project in West Oakland!

[Matt Baran @mattbaran]

When everything has changed around an older structure — the city, the people, the function, the technology — it needs to embrace change to continue to exist.

When we’re given an existing architecture, we look to see what it can and wants to become.

[Matt Baran @mattbaran]

Did you know: SHRA allows up to 10 units and lots on qualifying parcels, even with an existing home in place?

The catch: that house typically has to sit on its own “remainder lot,” and you’re not touching it as part of the subdivision.

Separate permit, timeline, and problem.

[Matt Baran @mattbaran]

Unusual circumstances around an existing building, zoning code and building requirements (2 stairs 😡) converged to shape this *small and unique* 😊 Baran Studio project. 🏘️

Walk with me for the tale ⬇️

[Matt Baran @mattbaran]

I love the smell of sawdust in the morning. Smells like… victory.

[Baran Studio Architecture @BaranStudioArch]

How to boost single family zoning from one home to 10:

[Matt Baran @mattbaran]

Small Lot Subdivisons can boost suburban single family density up to 5x.🏘️

We go from typical 4 to 6 dwelling units per acre to densities of 30 DUA (which is also current CA SHRA allowable max.) and more.

Specs and Proforma in🧵⬇️

[Matt Baran @mattbaran]

It really isn’t that hard or expensive.

The cost of the exterior of a house is around 10% of its total cost, and landscape is around 1%.

With a 50% increase on exterior and landscape, your building cost increases less than 5%.

[Matt Baran @mattbaran]

It’s a shame that people have been so programmed to believe they have to accept crappy things, they can’t believe it doesn’t cost that much more to do it better.

[Matt Baran @mattbaran]

This is a thought provoking perspective. And I just don’t see it this way.

Whatever skills I’ve honed have always been in the service of architecture. And architecture has always been (part of) my purpose.

I celebrate any tools that can help me make it better.

Zoom out.