Berl Residence
This contemporary bayside home was built in the 1960's. The low ceilings flowed out to deep geometric eaves. Corner windows had slight to no mullions to open the house to views of the San Francisco bay. A curved staircase to the master bedroom and curved master shower wall also established a geometric rhythm to the home.
The new owner Mr. Berl asked his architect to double the size of the home and to compliment the existing architecture. He hoped that you wouldn't be able to determine where the old ended and the new began. Mr. Berl wanted to fix a few of the problems in the old home such as storage, a larger dining room, a modernized kitchen more in keeping with the bayside setting and updating of the master bath. He wanted to add at least two bedrooms for his college-aged daughters, a laundry room, a home office and a family room.
The creative process began: working with the low ceilings and existing walls and structure the additional 1,600 square feet began to take shape. In order to add the home office and two new bedrooms on the upper level of the home a new internal staircase needed to be incorporated into the design. This new staircase flows from the dining room up to the upper floor and with the custom designed railing by artisan Michael Bondi it is a showstopper. The staircase also features a custom light fixture designed by Pamela Morris. The stair wall is curved to reflect the existing curved stair, which exclusively goes to the master suite.
All materials and colors were selected to reflect the feeling and mood of the bay. Special soft green glass with a subtle wave pattern was selected in the new custom kitchen cabinets. Soft maple cabinets bring warmth into the home and compliment the hardwood floors.
The home had no sense of entry. As a matter of fact a guest had to go around the side of the house and enter through a small side gate next to the garage door. The architect designed a new custom designed mahogany gateway crowned with a Michael Bondi built trellis. New landscaping also greatly enhances the sense of arrival.
Previously Mr. Berl stored his wine along with his golf clubs, etc. in his garage. One of the special new features of the kitchen is a new walk-in and chilled wine cellar. Additionally a new walk-in pantry just opposite the wine cellar now stores all of the extra large serving trays as well as the results of those infamous Costco shopping trips.
The home is truly a jewel on the water with expansive spaces facing the bay with an easy and comfortable flow for casual entertaining. A place too wonderful to leave to go to work . . . |
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