This project took first place in its category in the NARI Regional Awards in 2013. Built in the 1920’s, this Berkeley home was originally constructed atop a small basement. Little more than 175 square feet; it was just enough space for a small laundry area and limited storage around the furnace, water heater, and other utilities. In 1994, the home was extensively remodeled—however, what was underneath was left untouched. Consequently, occasional basement floods brought by seasonal rains and the desire for further earthquake proofing, habitable guest quarters, and a modern media room finally inspired the family to take action.

Working with a designer, the underlying idea of this project was to create a significantly
larger space sub-grade that somehow integrated into the suburban garden setting of the home.

The project began with a challenging excavation of Northbrae Rhyolite natural stone—some of which was retained and reused for garden walls, while the rest was shared with very grateful neighbors. This excavation extended beyond the original footprint of the home, which simultaneously opened the downstairs spaces to natural light and created private outdoor living space and light well on either side of the home’s formal entry.

Careful placement of windows and doors, as well as addition of the outdoor terrace, turn what could have been a dark and dingy “basement” into a light, bright and airy living space in keeping with the high quality of the remodeled home above.