Project Detailsx

Project Overviewx

The clients came to us wanting help investigate whether they should purchase an empty lot and whether building a new home would be feasible before completing the sale. After doing some design studies, meeting with Orinda city planning, fire and building departments, the one-acre lot was purchased. It was the last one available in this planned development in Orinda. Part of the work was to design a new access driveway serving the new 5,000 square foot two-story, three-bedroom home. The new access drive incorporates a hammerhead-shaped fire truck turn-around and brought all the utilities to the house.

We were also asked that we explore roof forms such as butterfly shapes that arched upward to take in the views of the valley beyond, and it became clear that the steep rising hillside made placing most of the living space on the second floor the best solution. The ground floor has the main entry stairs, three-car garage and woodworking shop with walkable skylights in the roof ceiling. This space can also be a fourth bedroom for resale in the future. Going up to the second floor, there is an elevator as well as the main living spaces and bedrooms, pool and guest bedroom. Spectacular views of the valley are seen from every room and on the wrap around decks outside. Working with the landscape architect the hard- and soft-scape compliments the home with spots of floral color and easily walkable paving.