Kattenburg Architects

Home Improvement Professionals , Architects & Building Designers , Accessory Dwelling Units , Home Remodeling , Home Additions , Universal Design , Basement Remodeling
15 Reviews
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Kattenburg Architects
15 Reviews

New Spanish Colonial - Downtown Orinda

Our clients, Scott and Anna were downsizing from their 6,000 square foot Alamo home to a new home in Orinda, closer to downtown. Years earlier they had sought to build a Spanish Colonial in Orinda, but issues arose that made it impractical, and they instead ended up living in a beautiful hilltop home in Alamo, Ca. built for them by Branagh Construction.
When their kids left home, they again sought to fulfill their earlier dream of a Spanish Colonial in walking distance of downtown Orinda. They selected Branagh Development who built their Alamo home and our firm, Kattenburg Architects.

Indivar Sivanathan
Project Year: 2015
Project Cost: More than $2,000,000
Country: United States
Zip Code: 94563
Our clients, Scott and Anna were downsizing from their 6,000 square foot Alamo home to a new home in Orinda, closer to downtown. Years earlier they had sought to build a Spanish Colonial in Orinda, but issues arose that made it impractical, and they instead ended up living in a beautiful hilltop...
New Spanish Colonial - Downtown Orinda
Before
The lot they found had a small home on it, built in the early 1950’s. The driveway was too steep and could only be entered from the uphill side of the road. The lot enjoyed a downhill southern exposure with a great view and an uphill backyard surrounded by mature oaks. It was agreed that the old...
New Spanish Colonial - Downtown Orinda
Before
The lot they found had a small home on it, built in the early 1950’s. The driveway was too steep and could only be entered from the uphill side of the road. The lot enjoyed a downhill southern exposure with a great view and an uphill backyard surrounded by mature oaks. It was agreed that the old...
New Spanish Colonial - Downtown Orinda
We developed a site plan with a wider and carefully planned driveway that could be entered from both directions, and increased the parking pad area. To achieve the goals, retaining walls creating planters below the parking area were used to terrace and filter storm water from impervious surfaces.
New Spanish Colonial - Downtown Orinda
In Orinda, houses are kept smaller in appearance with tight floor area ratios, (small lot, small house) limiting ht to 27’ and a maximum of 2 ½ stories above ground. Although from some vantage points you can clearly see three levels, at no point do more than 2 stories stack vertically (except for...
New Spanish Colonial - Downtown Orinda
The main floor provides a great room with 25’ of glass folding doors opening onto the courtyard on the south and three pairs of French Doors opening onto a terrace on the North, a guest suite, master suite, powder room, laundry, and spiral stairs to the upper and lower floors. Saltillo pavers cover...
New Spanish Colonial - Downtown Orinda
Indivar Sivanathan
New Spanish Colonial - Downtown Orinda
Indavar Savanathan
New Spanish Colonial - Downtown Orinda
Indivar Sivanathan
New Spanish Colonial - Downtown Orinda
Indavar Savanathan
New Spanish Colonial - Downtown Orinda
The house has several defined outdoor spaces. On the north, a partially covered terrace, to the west a putting green for Brian our other client, to the east a walkway past a sitting area off the kitchen that eventually leads to a sculpture garden on the southeast side of the house.
New Spanish Colonial - Downtown Orinda
New Spanish Colonial - Downtown Orinda
On the top floor Anna and Brian each have large offices separated by a Jack and Jill bath and walk in closets. The outdoor balcony on the second floor provides a sitting area with a great valley view and a quatrefoil opening at the end that targets the lush California greenery. Matching barbed...
New Spanish Colonial - Downtown Orinda
Indivar Sivanathan
New Spanish Colonial - Downtown Orinda
Indivar Sivanathan
New Spanish Colonial - Downtown Orinda
Design Credits:
New Spanish Colonial - Downtown Orinda