Do these pictures speak for themselves or do they hardly speak?

This “Tree Hotel” in the far north of Sweden has a reflective exterior that creates a camouflage so effective that it achieves an unworldly effect. Anchored to a tree, this aluminum room for two has 360 degree views of remote wilderness. To prevent birds from colliding with the glass, a transparent laminate is added into the glass panes which is visible to birds only. The architects, Tham & Videgård Arkitekter, aimed to explore mans’ high tech collaboration with nature.

It is hard to imagine these images as reality.

-all photos © Åke E:son Lindman

Light, set in the distance, invites you to perceive.
Origin unknown but cast forward.
Filtered through earthly expanse into the minds eye.

WISHING YOU A WARM HOLIDAY SEASON & A JOYFUL 2011

Photo from Massimo Silenzio – Installation

The next time you walk into a home for the first time, stop, and ask yourself the following question:

How does this place make me feel?

If your answer falls into the inspired or uplifted category then continue on. If your answer falls into the melancholic category best to hit the road.

It may seem a silly exercise, but it goes a long way in determining the potential of living well and, ultimately, being happy in a home. Often buyers are so deeply entrenched in criteria, such as bedroom count, that they miss the sweet emotions a good house can elicit.

With that said, I am pleased to announce the offering of 1638 Grand View Drive in the Claremont Hills. Once inside it takes you beyond it’s basic function and utility, and exudes excitement, comfort and a general cheer. It is always a pleasure to be associated with special properties, and this one is uniquely beautiful

The property is large at approximately 4878 sqft ,and features dramatic light filled rooms and superb modern amenities. Handsome finishes are the norm here with gorgeous Hardwoods and stylish stones everywhere you turn. The style of the home from the exterior could be describes as Modern Craftsmen. Inside it is all modern.

The home has 5 bedrooms and 4 1/2 baths. The show stopper is the open living area with giant height ceilings and clerestory windows. The chefs kitchen is top of line with gorgeous granite and two bars along with a breakfast nook. A favorite of the current owner is the oversize pantry. This all plays out to a large deck deck with serene views. Along the way to the Master Bedroom you pass by a more traditional charming den with contemporary design.

The Master is luxurious and has sweet views of the bay. The fireplace is two-sided and also faces the two person jetted bathtub. Every bathroom in the house is well done to say the least.On the lower level of the home there are three generous bedrooms, one of which, is being used as a study. Perfect because it opens to a nicely landscaped yard.

The home is completely wired for sound with controls in every room and for the outside as well. There is not a wire to be seen as the house uses infrared red sensors so your remote works with the equipment in closets. It may not seem like a big deal but it makes for a wire free environment. There is also an elevator if need be, Mostly used to come from the garage above down to the house. The garage is in a nice looking second structure at street. On the floor below that is huge studio with a separate entrance. It is super versatile. It has a kitchenette and a well appointed bath. The current owners have a fully equipped gym there but your au pair or in laws would love it.

Finally, the house is in a great central location. It is quick to the freeways and Bart and you are minutes to Berkeley, Rockridge, Piedmont or downtown Oakland. The property is a Berkeley mailing address but in the city of Oakland. A reprieve for taxes.

The house is being offered by Sothebys International Realty at $1,629,000 (which happens to be a very attractive price per square foot relative to comparable sales). Just saying…

Call or email me, Jon Di Rienzo, to check it out.

415-744-4161
jondirienzo@gmail.com
DRE#01354297

201 4th Street #301, in Jack London Square, is the essence of a true loft with distinctive, modern style that distinguishes it from the rest.

Housed within New Market Lofts, this historic building was built in 1929 and served as the Safeway headquarters until the early 1990’s. It’s character and history were preserved as an integral cornerstone of the original Oakland Waterfront Warehouse District as evidenced by the inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places, and its historic placard. The building is immaculate and features excellent design features in it’s common areas. Earthy palettes, custom wood finishes and cork flooring highlight the airy hallways and entry that are accented with art that harkens back to its roots. Each home has a prominent front door with a Porthole window (nice touch).

As lofts became popularized in the early part of the millennium, and entered the mainstream fray, they began to lose some cache. These former industrial units were no longer home to starving “creative” trailblazers, but instead to those who could afford to pay for nice finishes and fixtures. Truthfully, they were impressive aesthetically, and quite comfortable. But many new loft owners rested on what was already there, instead of maximizing their unique environments. Original “Lofters” saw open space, great scale, and wall space and with it an opportunity to customize a home for ultimate urban dwelling.

This loft delivers on that spirited urban endeavor. The creative, diligent owner went to extraordinary lengths to take advantage of a large sun-lit canvass to impart a modern sensibility and it encompasses maximum utility of an urban space with an abundance of storage. All the while with a keen eye for using sustainable materials and maximizing energy efficiency.

The twelve foot ceilings give this 1,123 square foot unit a large, expansive feel. Upon entry, the Le Klint pendant lamp catches your attention and beautifully sets your eyes along the gallery style art display wall, and into the main living area. With the aluminum rails and suspension cables, it is a true gallery display.

Within the nearly fifty foot entry hall is a barely noticeable, but wonderfully appointed custom workstation made from Walnut stained, Figured Ash and a Quartz type Acrylic Resin table top. There is plenty of smart storage including custom overhead shelving enclosed with frosted glass, aluminum doors.

(After each breathless paragraph I will throw in an additional feature: There are 2 ceiling mounted bike racks which look awesome)

The large bathroom is nicely laid out, as there is a divide that creates an ample powder room for guests. The fixtures are top of the line and energy efficient. The highlight of the bathroom is the custom solid Plyboo bamboo cabinetry with self closing drawers. It is topped with a Zodiaq Quartz finish. The George Kovacs lighting works well with the designer 32″ round mirrors. The frameless shower door is custom by Schicker and has a beveled edge and acid etched finish.

(Laundry inside the unit: Energy Star rated Bosch Washer and Dryer)

The kitchen placement is well thought out and appointed. Looking from the back corner of the Living Area it features an unusual amount of counter space for a loft and smart space savers abound. The floating peninsula granite counter top is a consummate gathering spot and from it’s bar stools you gaze at the impressive Heath Ceramic Subway Tile back splash. An excellent color choice of dark neutrals and a bold band of orange make it pop. Three Venetian glass pendants lights hang high above.

(The pendant lights and ceiling fans mount with round industrial chrome fixture and it creates nice uniformity above)

The Living Room achieves a warmth and coziness you would not expect from such a large space. The orange accent wall and design touches help in this way and the 11 foot double-panel draperies (sheer with a muslin backing panel) add a nice dramatic effect. But the star of this room is the intelligent and attractive Ligne Roset P&P Wall Mounted Storage System which is imbued with the warmth from the Walnut stain Figured Ash backpanels that support it. It is so sleek and is back lit for ambiance. It refuses to shout, even though it could. I like it alot!

(The closet space and storage in the unit is impressive: almost every area of this nature has custom organization)

Finally, the bedroom loft in it’s simplicity manages to become a completely different environment within the same four walls. Stepping onto the sea grass carpeting off the polished stamped cement is quite unique. The bedroom is intimate yet still offers a commanding view of the gallery hall and living room area.

I believe this loft best exemplifies the creativity and design for what can be done with loft space, and it was done with precision and quality. I hope you will pass this on to those who might be interested and invite them to arrange a time to see it, or comment! It will be my pleasure to sell this property to someone who can appreciate it’s sophistication and beauty.

This property is being exclusively offered by Sothebys International Realty at $379,950. Homeowners Dues are around $350 per month. It is zoned Live/Work and includes one deed parking spot.

Call me, Jon Di Rienzo, or email for a showing at 415-744-4161 or jon.dirienzo@sothebysrealty.com.
dre#01354297

5687 Florence Terrace, in Montclair, is a done deal. This slice of Americana slid on and off the market with ease. A tribute to its charm and excellent presentation.

The house was listed for $698,000 and sold for $725,500, which is a stout $435 a square foot.

DEB had a bit of an August hiatus, but expect it to be in full swing as fall approaches!

Another recently featured property has closed with a bang. 135 Wildwood Gardens in Piedmont has closed at $1,470,000. Well above the ask of $1,250,000. I am not surprised as the central location and sprawling grounds only heightened the potential of this solid traditional.

But I must question myself at this point. Am I featuring properties that are too obviously well priced? I will dig a little deeper in the weeks ahead to uncover the underdog!

Last month I highlighted a Berkeley abode with plenty of presence, and strong bones. 2914 Forest Avenue closed for $1,247,000,. 8% above the asking price of $1,150,000.

And I hear a hot one is coming today in the Berkeley Hills….a dynamic mid-mentury priced well below the market and in need of restoration. Email me at jondirienzo@gmail.com for more info.

Recently I did some reflecting. I looked back on my first foray into the blogging world and tried to quantify the results DEB has garnered. Tangible gains were scarce but what I did discover excited me. In a few short months I have connected with some very talented people in a number of different disciplines. Most are in some way related to “home” and all can benefit from knowing one another.

Which leads me to the following profile of OXB Studio Architects. They are precisely the type of partner I would want you all to know, and hopefully, have the benefit of working with one day. The group is comprised of Ted Bonneau (above right) and Chad Stith (above left). I recently met Ted and Chad at their offices in Mill Valley after being thoroughly impressed by their work on the “Manzanita House” , in the Oakland Hills. They were very welcoming to me, and from our friendly sit down I realized this a firm set to take flight.

OXB Studio is a multi-disciplinary architectural firm with over 24 years combined experience in high-end custom residential projects. They look to develop a unique method of design for each client. When perusing their portfolio I was struck by the diversity of styles. It was obvious that they weren’t going for a signature look but instead taking deeply into account the desires of the clients needs, beliefs and building sites. Ted explained “We balance the client’s requirements with functionality, constructability and the use of diverse materials to create spaces and forms which are stimulating, distinctive and appropriate”.

The “Twin Peaks Residence” (pictured) is a wonderful display of style and grace in my opinion. It is extremely well thought out and takes advantage of every inch of space. Both “Twin Peaks” and the “Manzanita House” beautifully blend into their respective environments.

If you are considering a remodel or are soon building a new home, you should definitely check in with Ted and Chad. I think you will be impressed.

OXB Studio
171 East Blithedale Avenue
Mill Valley, CA 94941
415-383-9001
www.oxbstudio.com
Facebook/ oxbstudio

Picture yourself winding through the Oakland Hills. The air is clean and the smell of pine thick. Broken light filters through, as you head towards the nearing ridge. Around you are mountain style homes built in the 1970’s, and they are perfectly content being just that. But as you take the next turn your eyes are drawn to a floating structure, so striking and balanced that you hit the brakes. You stop and observe an unobtrusive modern masterpiece blending clean lines and a natural palette, with the rural surroundings. That is a fair fantasy for someone like me, and I can honestly say that is how I felt upon my first encounter with the Manzanita House.

Perched on over 2 acres of ridge line lot, this house straddles the Alameda and Contra Costa county lines. I thought for sure it was new construction, but upon further inspection, I discovered it was a renovation and expansion of the existing structure, which was built in 1978. Very impressive when you take into account the transformation. There is something supremely gratifying about taking something (not so beautiful) and making it beautiful.

The owners of the home were visionary in their approach, and chose OXB Studio Architects as their partners on the project. OXB Studio is comprised of Ted Bonneau and Chad Stith, and located in Mill Valley. The contractor on this project was Abacus Group Builders out of Corte Madrera.

The owners wanted a modern, yet rustic house with some craftsmen attributes. So once inside do not expect to see stark minimalism or white epoxy floors. To the contrary, the house is an extremely warm blend of natural materials and the design is focused on the spectacular site. The house has Brazilian cherry floors, and three types of wood cabinets: Sapele, Jatoba and salvaged Koa. The kitchen features two different granites that are displayed in thick slab. The bathrooms have marble counters and have travertine, glass and quartzite tiles.

The views into Contra Costa county are majestic and the octagonal family room showcase this feature, as does the kitchen, and the handsome decks. It is intriguing the way the home lays out gently over it’s huge lot. One interesting thing to note is that the original house had many different levels, but with step-down/step-up type separations, which can be confusing when trying to define areas within your home. So Ted and Chad added more defined stairs, which in turn created living spaces unto themselves. There was also a major concern about the lack of natural light because of how heavily wooded the site was. To combat this, they added nine skylights and removed many interior walls, opening up the floor plan. Another very challenging aspect of the transformation was rehashing the “octagon”. Because the views were so dramatic, the owners were steadfast in trying to preserve it’s site lines. The main issue with the existing room was a tubular floor to ceiling fake stone fireplace exactly in the middle of the room. Not only was the fireplace unattractive but it impeded the views and it was supporting the ceiling above! Ted, from OXB Studio, devised a a new design; inverting the structure from a central load bearing fireplace to a combination of a central steel compression ring, allowing a hole in the center for the pyramidal, octagonal skylight, and perimeter tensile steel strapping. . The owners now have a wide open living area, and enjoy sky lit days bathed in light.

The Mazanita House is truly a pleasure to stumble upon. Once in its’ presence, you are sure to spend some time pondering the beauty.

One of the joys of living off Thornhill Drive in Montclair is pulling up to the stop sign at Pinehaven Road. One knows they are about to embark on a climb, but before they do they are able to take in the refreshing, and beautiful Thornhill Nursery.

The land is so naturally laid out it invites you to meander amongst it’s paths and listen to the creek roll on by. So do yourself a favor…park the car. Not only will you find a unique shopping experience but also a welcoming staff with a new found purpose within the community.

The nursery recently changed ownership and the impact was felt immediately. An inventory revamp took shape and the colorful merchandise began to pour outwards towards Thornhill Dr.. Drawing your eye to a new attitude within the friendly confines of the nursery. New pricing strategies were put in place to regain customer loyalty and an effort to reconnect with the community was kicked into gear.

I recently stopped by during a Saturday afternoon BBQ held on the grounds by the new owners, Bob Kimmel and Mario DiGrande. Mario worked the grill cooking juicy burgers, sausages and hot dogs for anyone who dropped in. He explained that they would hold these events on a monthly basis to get to know their new neighbors. Mario (pictured above, right) is an accomplished Landscape Contractor and is excited about extending the value of their services in that area. He handles the merchandising, and his experience shows. Bob focuses on the numbers and is excited about the future of Thornhill Nursery. With their vast experience Thornhill Nursery is bound to regain a foothold within our community.

Whether you are doing it yourself or need help revamping the landscaping at your home, definitely stop in and speak with these guys. You will be pleased with the atmosphere, and even better, with the results.