Extensive interior renovations and some new dormers to help balance and improve this 1912 craftsman on Parkside Drive in Berkeley. Wonderfully unique exterior details will be restored and a series of unfortunate remodels from the past removed and replaced, revealing the story of the original house.
We are part of the homeowner’s team that have just completed the restoration and remodel of one of nine bungalow townhouses grouped around a lush courtyard, probably originally designed by Irving Gill, (but has not been confirmed). Due to an unassuming street facade, it is truly a hidden gem in Piedmont. The distinctive arch motif found at all the entry loggias around the courtyard is repeated at the opening to the new kitchen, introducing the arch’s indoor-outdoor ambiguity to the living room, a real doff of the cap to the old master!
Piedmont’s “Melrose Place”
This upper story addition was featured in the Jarvis Architects 2011 Calendar. The home is a Craftsman Traditional morphing into a more Contemporary look and plan as it steps back up the hill. It is a wonderful example of the architecture reflecting the clients needs and personal style while respecting the original home and the fabric of the neighborhood.
It looks just like the calendar!
The finishing touches are being put on our modern addition and remodel in the Piedmont hills, which enjoys a panoramic bay view. The house features Blomberg windows recessed in 2×6 walls with corner mullions to resemble the original steel windows. The eyebrow roofs above the windows are also inspired by original architectural details. Photovoltaic panels are on the flat roof and hidden from view by the parapet.
The Lamorinda Weekly recently posted an article on the 2011 Orinda Mayors Awards for Excellence in Architecture. The Howard and Susan Warner Remodeling Project designed by Robin and Cindy received one of the awards, and was the featured design in the story. The story, written by Laurie Snyder captured the spirit of the collaborative design process, the project history and the home.
Visit the Lamorinda Weekly Mayors Award here.
The April 2011 Children’s Support League Home Tour showcased our upper Piedmont formal Mediterranean home remodel. A dining room wall was opened to transform a dark galley kitchen into an elegant spacious kitchen and to allow entertaining to flow to the living room.
To complement the home’s stately interiors, the hand carved island has the feel of an Italian antique chest and the copper hood echoes the lines of the living room fireplace. The flush-face frame wall cabinetry resembles stand-alone furniture and is topped with leather finished granite counters, which suit the overall classic look of the kitchen. The upper cabinets feature leaded glass with Gothic arched lights, inspired by the arched openings of the house.
In September 2011, seven townhomes designed by Jarvis Architects were approved by Piedmont’s Planning Commission and City Council to replace the old Linda Avenue PG&E substation adjacent to the Oakland Avenue bridge. These four-bedroom, 3-1/2 bath homes are 2400sf on three floors above garages and resemble a small village around a courtyard. A park and school are located just up the street and convenient shopping is nearby.
This project marks Piedmont’s first multi-unit residential development and was approved with glowing comments from the Commissioners and Council members. Words like ‘clever’ were used to describe the projects minimal impact to the neighborhood. They also noted the unique character of each home within the singular village concept. Piedmont is known for its exhaustive public review process, but the superb design carried the day with full support from the City.
South elevation
This December Jarvis Architects received a Mayor’s Award of Excellence in Architecture for one of their recent remodel projects in Orinda. It was a real collaboration between the owners Susan and Howard Warner, the builder Kirk Wall of Orinda, and the Jarvis design team of Cindy Chan and Robin Pennell. Once home to exercise legend Jack LaLane, the house had undergone a number of discordant remodels and additions, none of which followed the original mid-century ranch style. With thoughtful input from all members of the design team, the offending work was removed and the plan simplified, creating spaces that flow together seamlessly and naturally while connecting with the spectacular deck, landscape and views.
The City of Piedmont honored Jarvis Architects’ Arleta Chang with this award for the design and addition done at her home.
The Piedmont Planning Commission noted, “the remodel was designed to reduce massing on the street and blended so well into the original structure, it looks original itself.”
Congratulations Arleta!
Jarvis Architects’ own Jon Larson was quoted in the October 9, 2011 San Francisco Chronicle article about the current surge of in-law units in the bay area. His basement infill project in north Oakland was one of three Jarvis Architects projects featured in the recent Taunton Press book, In-laws, Outlaws and Granny Flats by Mike Litchfield. Smaller living spaces save on cost, use less energy, and celebrate quality living.
In addition to fulfilling specific spatial needs of the clients, Jon’s project provided more natural light and a better connection to the yard.