Kuth Ranieri Architects — Berkeley/Oakland Hills, CA

Claremont Canyon Residence is a 2,600-square-foot renovation and addition to a two-story house from 1937, situated in the Berkeley/Oakland Hills. Originally designed by John Ekin Dinwiddie, the structure retained its original framework despite a prior renovation that left the interiors generic. The new owners engaged Kuth Ranieri Architects to adapt the home for contemporary family living, emphasizing both preservation of character and integration with the hillside landscape. The approach centered on revitalizing the existing shell, maximizing views of the canyon and maintaining privacy from the street, while enhancing spatial quality and daylight throughout. The project introduced a modern addition that included a study beneath an existing deck and expanded the previously enclosed family room, improving its connection to the rear patio. Interior spaces were reorganized around the main stair, which features a custom CNC-cut screen inspired by a chromosomal gel print, reflecting the owner's profession. Material selection prioritized sustainability: sections of original redwood siding were reused, and the prior kitchen was deconstructed for donation. Improved insulation, a high-efficiency furnace, protected tree shading, solar-activated shades, and cross-ventilation strategies collectively raised the home's environmental performance.
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