ALEXANDRA MARTYNETZ
San Francisco Bay Area Architect
Client's Dream:
We want a large executive view house that is "California Casual" and does not overwhelm the neighborhood.
This house was part of a 3 lot speculative development in a highly visible neighborhood sensitive to a variety of compatibility and view issues (see attached article about this community site planning). Rather than protrude out to the edge of the lot, the dramatic promontory was used as an intimate outdoor space defined by the operatic backdrop of the house.
The house itself is designed on axis with Mount Tamalpias and capture San Francisco and Oakland views from both levels. An open plan with distinct wings give this house a very relaxed everyday living environment yet accommodates extensive formal entertaining and conferencing areas.
FOUR BRIDGE VIEW
Berkeley - Virtual Tour
PARK VIEW
Berkeley
Client's Dream:
We want a "green/ passive solar" house with a spectacular kitchen, reminiscent of the Gamble House by Greene and Greene, but open to family flow.
This house backs onto a quiet public park along it's south side. The courtyard design opens onto this green space, that serves as a playground for the children and pets of the household.
Southern orientation with large windows, skylights and thermal mass uses the principles of passive solar architecture to create a bright, sunny and warm home while being energy efficient; the roof is designed to support large future arrays of solar panels.
Inspired by the Arts and Crafts style, sensuously shaped wood trim in focused areas (the kitchen, doors and windows, and the breakfast nook) economically invoke the craftsmanship of that era.
HILLSIDE CRAFTSMAN
Oakland
Client's Dream:
We want a house with a big beautiful window and a variety of places for children to play.
To construct this house, several redwood trees had to be removed (we saved 25!) The design pays tribute to these majestic trees by incorporating a 3 story stair tower that serves as a lightwell and ventilation source, brining shafts of sunlight and air to the darker parts of the house closest to the hillside. Redwood from the trees was dried, milled and used for interior finish woodwork.
This turn of the century Craftsman style home, adopted for a steep hillside, solar roof applications and open-plan family living, is a dramatic yet surprisingly cozy home. Three distinct outdoor areas, covered and uncovered, connect the family to the wooded setting.
Client's Dream:
We want a modern glass house exposed to the grand bay views that has the serenity of a Japanese courtyard dwelling. We want a living room that draws us in, one we will actually use.
"The Water House" solves the problem of being totally glass/exposed while maintaining softness and privacy by using a cantilevered reflecting pool to shield the owners from the street and provide a shimmering, reflective aura in the living room.
Spectacular views from almost every room, a courtyard that reaches into the home, several water features, and a curving central form make this a glass house that is very intimate; modern without being severe.
REFLECTIONS AND VIEWS
Oakland
Client’s Dream (speculative builder):
We need to build a large home in a severe valley and also accommodate 4 parking spaces. A cross between modern and economical/traditional meets out bottom line.
The approach here was to stack the parking spaces (2 car garage with spaces on the roof) to minimize grading work on the steep hillside. A courtyard along the hill side provides daylight and cross-ventilation on a typically dark site.
Over 4000 square feet were accommodated for large and extended family living.
LAYERED APPROACH
Oakland
AN ENTERTAINER'S DELIGHT
Oakland
Client's Dream:
Set on a small creek in the Oakland Hills, this sloping lot was the perfect location for a multi-level home, ideal for a family with varied needs.
As you enter the home you are greeted by a sculptural staircase. The open format kitchen with multiple island, is the gathering spot of the home. The adjacent dining room and living area feature a curved wall, creating intrigue, and a 14' fireplace that draws the eye upward.
The lower level features garden views, a sunny sitting room between the master and children's rooms, and a private deck. The third level is a bonus suite with a covered porch, perfect for an au pair or in-law.
Client’s Dream (speculative builder):
We want to maximize the amenities within the house and capture the slivers of Bay Views available from the front of the difficult pie-shaped lot.The interior needs to be memorable and bright, while the exterior should be architectural while tied to the landscaping.
A modern take on the garden cottage uses the entire site, providing uniquely shaped rooms and an inviting front yard design.
TRIANGLE SITE
Oakland