WAVE

The two repeating forms of the midnight-bronze standing seam metal roof give this home its moniker, The Wave House. The metal extends down the east side walls connecting the roof to grade with the continuation of this fire rated metal armor. The interior side of each wave form including the eaves, ceilings, exterior walls and interior walls is clad in a birch plywood that serves as a soft contrast to its dark exterior.  Thoughtful materials throughout include walnut flooring on the upper two levels, an exposed black concrete structural slab at the lowest level, stained ash cabinetry with black solid surface tops throughout, and locally fabricated mild steel screens.

The original home on this site, built in 1924 needed major structural work as well as a reimagining of its form and layout. The house was rebuilt from the ground up.  Its programming provides flexibility for today’s modern family with spaces that allow for working from home, in-home caregivers, and extended family. The main courtyard level sits below the street and orients itself towards the view with floor to ceiling glass in the living and dining areas. Access to the yard is provided on the two lower levels for a seamless integration of indoor to outdoor living. Three panel sliding doors flank either side of the dining room allowing for passive cooling; the concrete slab and retaining walls at the lowest level create a thermal mass, reducing heating and cooling loads. While capturing views of San Francisco beyond it also embraces the greenery of the Berkeley Hills with framed views of the landscape outside.  This well-considered design provides the homeowners with a light filled retreat nestled amongst the trees.