From Tract to Tres Chic

Annette Wiley: Tract house made modern

"Architect Annette Wiley turned her 1950s tract home in Corona del Mar into a contemporary residence remodeled with environmentally friendly materials and practices. The siding is ipe wood and cement board with recycled content. The steps leading to the entry are decomposed granite. Sculptural succulents are poised out front, a low-water alternative to lawn. The entry path guides visitors past the round planter to the ipe wood gate. The design was conceived by Lisa Gimmy Landscape Architecture of Culver City. The 2,600-square-foot house has Energy Star appliances, a tankless water heater, rooftop solar panels and other green features. But Wiley's goal was for visitors to step through the front door and see a house that looked modern but still warm and comfortable."

via LA Times