Kitchen borrows light from the greenhouse bath

Sunset, April, 1984

A kitchen window used to look out toward the back garden of this Redlands, California, house. But when architect Jerry Bancroft of ADB Architects and his wife, Pam, planned a bathroom addition, they realized this bright window would be sacrificed. Rather than lose it completely, they decided to replace the glass with sliding wooden panels to create a lookout.

The opening allows the sink are to receive natural light from a greenhouse window in the new bath. It also lets the Bancrofts keep an eye on their young son's activities in the bath and to some extent in the back yard. And it's even handy for passing refreshments to someone soaking in the tub.

The lower panel slides up and is held with a cabinet catch. It can be lifted only from the bath side of the wall, ensuring privacy when it's desired.