Down with the Downslope
The Shaw Residence, located on a cul-de-sac in Hillsborough, is a modern residence that was designed for a couple with two small children. But Berkeley-based Regan Bice Architects were beholden not only to the owners when creating their design, but also to the downslope site on which the property is located, And to the largely inaccessible oak forest that surrounds it.
The structure’s large floor plan, approximately 6,000 square feet, is elegant and restrained, and gives the home the appearance of being smaller than it is. An expansive, delicate stairway and a covered walkway invite visitors toward the entry, which is defined by a tower adorned with clerestory windows. At the building’s center, a two-story circulation core has 10-foot-tall mahogany doors that open onto a loggia, which is protected by a hardwood bris-soleil (an exterior architectural shading device that creates a handsome aesthetic appeal while minimizing direct solar gain during the warmer months) that spans the south facade. The circulation core leads directly to an open-plan family room/informal dining area/kitchen, which affords views of the oak forest and, in the distance, San Francisco Bay.
A central courtyard takes advantage of the level portions of the site, providing the family with an outdoor living space. On the east side of the courtyard, the homeowners have their garages and laundry area, and on the west, the formal dining and living areas. This area opens to a glass-topped entry tower, which bathes the room with natural light.
The second story comprises the master bedroom suite and the children’s bedrooms and bath, along with an office island perched over the entry. A tower bridge with an exquisite combination of glass and stainless steel grating connects the master bedroom to the office; opaque glass windows in the master bedroom allow a filtered view of the courtyard.
The home’s interior features polished concrete floors and luxurious mahogany carpentry. Stainless steel kitchen counters and clear, anodized aluminum window frames add to the cool design. The casework and adjacent floors are steamed beech, and baseboards and door trim are set flush with the walls, a minimalist detail that adds to the overall interior elegance.
Construction duration: 14 months. Distinctive characteristics: a house orientation that allows for maximum light penetration while meeting strict local zoning restrictions.
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