Oakland Hills
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We overcame a few unique challenges with this Oakland Hills architecture, located on a steep, down-sloping lot. Our finished work includes both an extensive renovation and an addition.
Oakland Hills Architecture – Renovation
Built in the 1970s, the original building sat uninhabited for some time. As a result, the structure had fallen into a state of disrepair. The walls and roof leaked, and the siding had rotted. Animals had even began to claim it as their own.
Beyond the damage caused by the lack of maintenance, the original design was inadequate for structural reasons. Perched high up on un-braced piers, the building hadn’t been adequately designed for wind and earthquake forces.
We first met our clients shortly after they purchased this Oakland Hills property. The new owners had purchased this as an investment property. However, they were not experienced developers. They live next door and were motivated to take this project on. They wanted to ensure that any future owner’s addition and renovation to the building wouldn’t negatively effect their home.
Because this was a first for our clients, we felt an added obligation to deliver the project on time and on budget. Typically, experienced developers understand construction and buyer’s expectations. In this case, we stepped in to fulfill that role. We collaborated with the realtor, contractor, and our clients to ensure the project would sell and that design choices were cost effective.
As time was of the essence, we designed an addition that wouldn’t require lengthy planning approvals. Our extensive experience with the Oakland Planning Department allowed us to navigate the process very quickly . Consequently, they issued a permit ahead of schedule.
Oakland Hills Architecture – Addition
We designed the addition, located beneath the existing building envelope, to not only add space but to also fix the structural deficiencies. We worked with the salvageable parts of the building – the roof structure and perimeter walls – which resulted in a unique building shape. Rather than impose new forms on the building, we worked with and improved the architectural character that was there.
With views of the bays, the building feels like a tree house situated among oak, laurel and redwood trees. The interior and outdoor spaces merge together as a result of large areas of glass and a generous deck.
We relocated a carport that obscured the building’s entrance and added new fire-resistive materials appropriate for a hillside home. We achieved GreenPoint Rated certification for our eco-friendly design work. Proudly, SF Gate wrote a shining article on the transformation of this “ugly duckling.”
Contractor: Aviv Construction
Oakland Hills Architecture – Before and After