Outdoor Living From the Top of the Hill – Berkeley

Perched atop the Berkeley Hills, this remarkable project began with a simple yet powerful request: preserve the tree. Our clients envisioned an expanded kitchen, laundry, and outdoor space with a deck that featured sweeping views, but not at the expense of the beautiful tree anchoring the backyard. The solution became the centerpiece of the design: an elliptical, steel-framed staircase that curves gracefully around the trunk, while the deck arcs in harmony with the growing canopy, maintaining both beauty and access below. The steel-reinforced frame is paired artfully with rich Ipe wood decking that deepens in color as it ages. The result is a seamless blend of engineering and artistry—quietly spectacular, and only more beautiful with time.