From Ruin to Refuge: The Art of Remodeling a Destroyed Home

Remodeling a Destroyed Home

When Maor Greenberg, a seasoned professional in the construction industry and owner of VRchitects, Greenberg Design Gallery, and Greenberg Construction, first laid eyes on the Midtown Palo Alto home he and his wife, Rotem, purchased in 2020, he saw a structure that was “completely destroyed.” The house was riddled with termite damage, shoddy construction, and an ill-conceived design. However, Greenberg saw beyond the ruin. He envisioned a home that would be perfect for his growing family.

Greenberg's Background and Philosophy

Greenberg’s journey in the construction industry started at the age of 18, under the guidance of his contractor father and designer mother. His experience, coupled with his degree in structural engineering, has shaped his philosophy towards home building. “I believe that a house should be made for you,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of functionality over aesthetics. He strongly advocates for the coordination of architecture, design, and construction from the onset of a project.

The Remodeling Process

In collaboration with architect Dan Hruby, Greenberg embarked on the task of transforming the dilapidated Palo Alto home into a modern oasis. His vision was to create a seamless indoor-outdoor experience. This was achieved by installing bifold glass doors that provided an uninterrupted view from the backyard to the front yard. Even the living room’s fireplace was designed to be see-through, allowing views from both inside and outside, even when the fire is on.

A 'Laundry Jet' and Modern Conveniences

A steel string staircase leads to the second floor. Photo by Boaz Meri courtesy VRchitects.
A steel string staircase leads to the second floor. Photo by Boaz Meri courtesy VRchitects.
A Murphy bed is hidden against the wall in the downstairs game room, which doubles as a guest room. Photo by Boaz Meri courtesy VRchitects.
A Murphy bed is hidden against the wall in the downstairs game room, which doubles as a guest room. Photo by Boaz Meri courtesy VRchitects.
All the bathrooms feature tankless Axent toilets,epoxy resin sinks and curbless showers for easy access. Photo by Boaz Meri courtesy VRchitects.
All the bathrooms feature tankless Axent toilets,epoxy resin sinks and curbless showers for easy access. Photo by Boaz Meri courtesy VRchitects.
The home features stucco and wood walls and a metal roof. Photo by Boaz Meri courtesy VRchitects.
The home features stucco and wood walls and a metal roof. Photo by Boaz Meri courtesy VRchitects.
The home features a vacuum-powered laundry chute with a motion-activated port built into the wall, shown below the towel rack above, that transports dirty clothes or towels down to the first floor laundry room and then shoots them back up to the second floor, when clean. Photo by Boaz Meri courtesy VRchitects.
The home features a vacuum-powered laundry chute with a motion-activated port built into the wall, shown below the towel rack above, that transports dirty clothes or towels down to the first floor laundry room and then shoots them back up to the second floor, when clean. Photo by Boaz Meri courtesy VRchitects.

One of the standout features of the remodeled home is the ‘Laundry Jet’, a modern convenience that allows for easy transportation of laundry from one part of the house to another. This, along with other smart home features, adds a layer of comfort and efficiency to the home, making it truly suited for the needs of a modern family.

A Kitchen Full of Hidden Surprises

The kitchen was designed so more than one person could cook, and everyone could eat comfortably at the island, which steps down to table height. Photo by Boaz Meri courtesy VRchitects.
The kitchen was designed so more than one person could cook, and everyone could eat comfortably at the island, which steps down to table height. Photo by Boaz Meri courtesy VRchitects.
The kitchen features Sapien Stone porcelain countertops, a six-burner Dacor range and a built-in appliance cabinet. Photo by Boaz Meri courtesy VRchitects.
The kitchen features Sapien Stone porcelain countertops, a six-burner Dacor range and a built-in appliance cabinet. Photo by Boaz Meri courtesy VRchitects.
A specially crafted drawer holds glasses in the kitchen. Photo by Boaz Meri courtesy VRchitects.
A specially crafted drawer holds glasses in the kitchen. Photo by Boaz Meri courtesy VRchitects.
The kitchen is full of surprises. Many rollout drawers are custom fitted, so there’s a perfect spot to place tools, pots, spices and utensils. Photo by Boaz Meri courtesy VRchitects.
The kitchen is full of surprises. Many rollout drawers are custom fitted, so there’s a perfect spot to place tools, pots, spices and utensils. Photo by Boaz Meri courtesy VRchitects.
The kitchen includes a pass-through over the sink that opens to a dining area in the front yard. Photo by Boaz Meri courtesy VRchitects.
The kitchen includes a pass-through over the sink that opens to a dining area in the front yard. Photo by Boaz Meri courtesy VRchitects.

The kitchen, often considered the heart of the home, was not left out in the kitchen remodeling process. It is packed with hidden surprises that make cooking and dining a delightful experience. From hidden storage spaces to state-of-the-art appliances, the kitchen is a testament to Greenberg’s belief in functionality.

Waterfall, Sauna, Other Outdoor Comforts

The parents wanted to be able to see their children from virtually every room on the first floor, so the home includes walls of glass in the front and back. Photo by Boaz Meri courtesy VRchitects.
The parents wanted to be able to see their children from virtually every room on the first floor, so the home includes walls of glass in the front and back. Photo by Boaz Meri courtesy VRchitects.
A view of the backyard shows the waterfall wall and the louvered pergola. Photo by Boaz Meri courtesy VRchitects.
A view of the backyard shows the waterfall wall and the louvered pergola. Photo by Boaz Meri courtesy VRchitects.
The backyard features a 35-foot-wide waterfall wall. Photo by Boaz Meri courtesy VRchitects.
The backyard features a 35-foot-wide waterfall wall. Photo by Boaz Meri courtesy VRchitects.
The see-through fireplace in the living room also can be enjoyed outside in the patio. Photo by Boaz Meri courtesy VRchitects.
The see-through fireplace in the living room also can be enjoyed outside in the patio. Photo by Boaz Meri courtesy VRchitects.
The kitchen opens up to outdoor dining in the front yard. Photo by Boaz Meri courtesy VRchitects.
The kitchen opens up to outdoor dining in the front yard. Photo by Boaz Meri courtesy VRchitects.
A pass-through window and bifold door open up the kitchen to the outdoors. Photo by Boaz Meri courtesy VRchitects.
A pass-through window and bifold door open up the kitchen to the outdoors. Photo by Boaz Meri courtesy VRchitects.

The outdoor space was also transformed into a haven of comfort. A waterfall adds a touch of nature’s tranquility, while a sauna provides a space for relaxation and rejuvenation. These, along with other outdoor comforts, contribute to the seamless indoor-outdoor experience that Greenberg envisioned.

The Result

The result of this extensive remodeling project was a home that not only catered to the specific needs of Greenberg’s family but also stood as a testament to the potential that lies in every “destroyed” house. The transformed home was even featured on the Silicon Valley Modern Home Tour in May.

In conclusion, remodeling a destroyed home is not just about fixing the obvious damage. It’s about envisioning what the home could be and making it a reality. It’s about turning a house into a home that is not just aesthetically pleasing, but also functional and suited to the needs of its inhabitants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Before starting a home remodeling project in Palo Alto, consider your budget, timeline, and the specific needs of your family. It’s also important to research local building codes and hire a reputable contractor.

Yes, most significant home remodeling projects in Palo Alto require a permit. This includes structural changes, additions, and major alterations to electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems.

You can find a reliable contractor by asking for recommendations from friends or family, checking online reviews, and interviewing potential contractors. Make sure the contractor is licensed, insured, and has a good reputation in the community.

Popular home remodeling trends in Palo Alto include open floor plans, energy-efficient upgrades, smart home technology, and indoor-outdoor living spaces.

The duration of a home remodeling project in Palo Alto can vary greatly depending on the scope of the project. Small remodels may take a few weeks, while large-scale renovations or additions can take several months. It’s important to have a detailed timeline from your contractor before the project begins.

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Maor Greenberg

Maor Greenberg, with over 15 years in real estate, construction, and architectural design, founded the Greenberg Group, Inc. in 2019, fostering a network of companies including Greenberg Development, Greenberg Construction, Greenberg Design Gallery, and VRchitects. His visionary leadership aims to revolutionize the industry by offering comprehensive solutions and streamlined services for consumers' home improvement and construction needs.

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