This three-story house is situated on Berkeley Hill, perched on a steep slope with panoramic views of San Francisco Bay. Its design carefully responds to seismic regulations, the terrain, microclimate, sunlight paths, and the preservation of protected oak trees on the property.
To mitigate earthquake and landslide risks, the house is built on foundation beams supported by concrete piles driven deep into the bedrock. This approach avoids costly excavation and the need for retaining walls. Notably, this residence incorporates the first use of residential seismic damping frames, which reduce structural deformation during earthquakes and help the building withstand the strongest tremors with minimal damage.
△ South elevation view
Throughout the house, small cantilevered structures extend the living space beyond the main frame, aligning directly with the foundation perimeter. The most prominent cantilever on the upper level projects beyond the western exterior wall, immersing visitors in the surrounding landscape.
Given the region’s generally mild but cool climate, the living room features glass walls on the south and west sides, maximizing solar heat gain throughout the year.
Large sliding glass doors and tall side windows facilitate natural air circulation, helping regulate indoor temperatures. This makes the living room feel like an open porch. The middle floor stays cool, and opening a large glass door on the lower level generates a chimney effect that draws cooler air upward.
The house requires almost no heating or air conditioning. Solar panels on the roof generate enough electricity to power both the home and an electric car. By thoughtfully utilizing the site’s natural conditions and constraints, this residence offers a warm, light-filled living space that harmonizes with the surrounding landscape and achieves a net positive energy footprint.
Design Drawings
△ General layout plan
△ Bottom floor plan
△ Middle floor plan
△ Upper floor plan
Project Information
Project Type: Independent Residential Building
Location: Berkeley, USA
Architectural Firm: Rangr Studio
Area: 2,850 ft²
Year: 2018
Photographers: Matthew Millman, Joe Fletcher
Suppliers: Alaskan Yellow Cedar, AutoDesk, Bertazzoni, Corian, Diode LED, Dynamic Windows, Grohe, Hansgrohe, Litecontrol, Marvin, Mièle, Stucco, Thea, Trimble, WAC Lighting
Design Team: Jasmit Rangr, Eivind Karlsen, Yvonne Demitra Konstantinidis
Client: Jasmit Rangr
Engineer: ZFA Structural Engineers
Landscape Design: Bryn Rowe & Jasmit Rangr
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