Dissolve Boundaries with Windows and Spectator Seating

Good bones in a home can set the stage for some spectacular renovations. Buttrick Projects Architecture and Design did just that with Hazel Road in Berkley, CA. Planning and designing revolved around the needs of a family with small children. They brought the outdoors in and dissolved the boundaries with full wall windows and daylighting from above.

Mid Century Modern Natural Light

Built in 1952, the Berkley home design needed some updates and better lighting throughout. The kitchen was the starting point of the renovations to get the foundation work for the upstairs addition put in place. Once the kitchen was complete in 2012, work started on the second level master bedroom. Opening up a dark and narrow hallway, a staircase replaced storage and mechanical closets. To maintain the functionality, shelves and storage space added to the custom stair design. In addition, a bar sits just inside the sliding glass door.

Dissolve boundaries with windows — The living room can be completely opened up to the patio to join the outdoor and indoor spaces. The rooms are filled with natural light from the Mid Century Modern glass walls, blurring the boundaries of the spaces.

Fun in the Yard

The next challenge in the project was to design a usable, yet beautiful yard. Flush sliders add to the living room’s Mid Century Modern style (think easy access to the bar from the patio). Huge Blomberg windows dissolve the boundary from the living room to the patio whether they are opened or closed. The landscape contractor at Envision Landscape Studio chose varying materials and textures for the yard. Basalt paving in the upper space transitions to wood and concrete steps. The steps butt up against large wood planks, providing comfy spectator seating to relax and watch the kids play on the lawn.

Multi-level backyard design — Multiple levels help to section the yard for activities and also make for beautiful planting spaces, filling the area with greenery.

Multi-level backyard — The landscaping in the backyard created lots of interest with multiple levels and materials. Walls of plants are great for privacy and for making the yard feel like a sanctuary.

Efficient Design and Natural Light

Completed in 2018, the second level construction measured 700 square feet and adds natural lighting for the staircase and rooms below. Looking at the healthy magnolia tree from the bedroom gives the new upstairs master a tree-house feel. The view from the full-wall sliding windows is beautiful and safe, thanks to an invisible glass safety rail dissolving another boundary. Exterior shades and deep overhangs control harsh light in the afternoons. The second level blends with the existing wood siding and shingle exterior of the original house. However, the top level also stands out with a state of the art Equitone rainscreen wall and air barrier.

Mid Century Modern Natural Light — The home’s second story bedroom has a beautiful magnolia tree providing privacy for the sliding Blomberg window.

At the start, the original house measured 2,153 square feet. After completion, the home measures 2,831 square feet and enjoys ample natural light that you’d expect of Mid Century Modern style.

Inspired to get some landscaping done around your own home? Check out 4 Questions to ask when looking for the right landscaper to get started or grab some DIY inspiration from Hedge Of Your Seat:Modern Hedges & Border Planting Ideas!

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