This residence, located near the Claremont Hotel in Berkeley, underwent major structural and architectural renovations. The project literally went from the foundation up. Originally built with a brick foundation, the first order of business was to make the necessary structural improvements. Replacing the foundation afforded us the opportunity to improve the basement level which was a dark damp space mainly used for storage and for utilities. Improvements continued throughout the house, affecting all three levels as well as the exterior entry courtyard.

The refurbished front terrace provides not only a gracious entry, but also acts as an extension of the living room beyond the leaded glass doors. As part of the improvements to the basement, new interior space was dug out under the existing entry terrace so that the garage could be accessed directly from the new family room at the basement level. This work entailed a complete replacement and waterproofing of the terrace, as well as repair and upgrade of the original turned wood railings.

At the basement level, we lowered the floor to create 9" ceilings, opened up windows across the front of the house and along the side, and dug out new interior space under the brick courtyard above. The resulting spaces include a new family room, guest room and bath, laundry room and powder room, dry storage and an expanded garage with an interior connection to the house.

A custom built fireplace surround was designed to hide a flat panel tv above the mantel, and to integrate with adjacent bookcase and window seats.

Cabinets were designed to line both the south and north walls of the family room. The dark wood tops on the cabinets contrast the white painted cabinets, and complement the dark wood cap at the stair railing as well as the wood floors that were stained dark throughout the house.

On the main floor of the house, walls were removed, windows and doors added, all to open up and brighten the previously dark north side of the house. The kitchen was expanded and integrated with the rest of the home. Light now spills from every corner of the house, and is shared from room to room.

From the pantry at the east end of the kitchen, views were opened up all the way to the new breakfast nook at the west end. Separate areas of the kitchen were given over to different functions – a pantry corner, a household desk area, a prep sink in the central peninsula, clean up and larger sink at the island overlooking the living room, the range against the north wall.

From the living room tall cabinets and a framed opening mark the edge of the kitchen. Details at these cabinets recall details of the living room cabinets and fireplace which are opposite the kitchen; details which draw the two spaces together. Just beyond the kitchen, the new breakfast room overlooks the rear garden.

Previously exterior space under a sleeping porch, this breakfast nook was designed to be light-filled and warm. Continuous windows wrap the space, while the built-in cherry bench and douglas fir ceiling add texture and warmth. A leaded glass cabinet was inserted into the wall to complement the existing leaded glass doors and windows.

Details were considered at every intersection of materials and lines.