INTERIORS + EXTERIORS - SPRING 2023
HOW SPRING BREATHES LIFE INTO BAY AREA ARCHITECTURE
The changing of seasons is a phenomenon that greatly inspires our work and Spring, bursting on to the scene with its sudden transformation, is no exception. The flourish of warm sunshine and budding trees has us full of optimism – we are ready to open our windows, spend some time outside and celebrate recently completed projects. Here we share a few that exemplify our approach to Bay Area living, inside and out.
Our architectural practice is unique – we focus equally on both the interior and exterior of a building to create cohesive, wholistic spaces that affect people in a positive way. We take cues from the existing structure and site, and from those who inhabit them, in order to develop personal creative solutions.
Our recent Marin County project extensively redeveloped the interior and exterior of the home to reflect the family within and to connect to the larger natural landscape. We selected finishes, light fixtures and furnishings to pair with their vast collection of travel mementos to create a unique, modern global feel, while at the same time incorporating the color and materials of the outdoors to ground the home in its natural environment.
North Berkeley Garden
Landscape design and horticultural expertise are important components of our designs, and Spring is a perfect time to highlight this North Berkeley entry garden that we designed. We paired modern board formed concrete and gravel hardscape with a vintage Tudor style home to create an interesting and welcoming presence on the street. A monochromatic palette was developed as a backdrop for the lush planting that moves in the breeze and where scale and texture are the main interest. Subtle outdoor furniture, planters and interesting garden accoutrements reveal themselves along the way as a hint of what is to come once inside the home.
Recently completed is this whole house renovation and addition for an active family of four in Orinda. The exterior drawing shows the strategy for enlarging and connecting this home to its sloping site on 3 different levels and the Interior drawings show our ideas for the main living space and how it invites the outdoors in. We intended this space to be a “tree house” in every sense of the word, as it is literally elevated in the canopy of native oaks.
The Bar Method, Berkeley California
THE BAR METHOD EXERCISE STUDIOThe Bar Method in Berkeley recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary. When designing this studio, we used small moves to change shape and build strength – just like their exercise approach. The space is unique, and it is standing the test of time. We continue to be fans of their seriously amazing workouts and encourage you to give them a try.
THE BEST OF OAKLANDThe Best of Voting is upon us once again and Tierney Conner has been nominated in the “Best Residential Architect” and the “Best Interior Design Firm” categories. As always, we appreciate your votes. If you have a few moments, please follow the link below – you will find our categories under Household and General Services.
ALL OUT COMEDYAll Out Comedy has opened in Oakland, offering improv and standup comedy workshops, shows and classes. We collaborated with owner Colleen Breen to convert the ground floor space on Telegraph Avenue into a bustling community theater where weekly shows light up the stage.
THE AIA EAST BAYHome Tour is on May 20th. “Exploring all the places we call home” will be showing an interesting variety of local living spaces that you can explore at your own pace. For a preview and to purchase tickets visit the AIA East Bay website.
DESERT X 2023The Desert X 2023 exhibition can now be experienced in Coachella Valley though May 7. The beautiful sculptural and spatial installations engage the desert to promote cultural and environmental awareness, and the preview has us eager to see it. *No. 1225 Chainlink by Rana Begum shown below
*No. 1225 Chainlink by Rana Begum