Core House

Berkeley, California

The “Core” house derives its L-shaped design concept from the unique characteristics of the site and the surrounding context. The focus of the house is the side yard facing the neighboring property, which is owned by family members, allowing the two individual homes to have the option of sharing a common yard. Neighboring homes occupy the farthest sides of the adjacent lots allowing the proposed massing of the house to avoid privacy issues with adjacent single family homes. This site layout allows large view windows to face south without compromising security and privacy. Passive solar techniques minimize energy use during winter and summer months by harnessing or shading sunlight.