This brand new, 2 story home in the eclectic Trestle Glen neighborhood of Oakland, California takes it departure from the dramatic, but historic lot, on Santa Ray Avenue.

Project Name: Oakland Residence
Studio Name: Knock Architecture & Design
Project size: 2800 ft2
Site size: 5000 ft2
Completion date: 2016
Building levels: 2
Location: Oakland, United States
Photography: Cesar Rubio

 Oakland Residence by Knock Architecture & Design - Sheet1
Entrance ©Cesar Rubio

Once destined for a 3-story McMansion of the faux-Mediterranean persuasion, the challenging steep down-sloped lot was sold in 2008 and come upon by Katherine and John in 2014, who were upsizing from their Oakland loft to make roof for their growing family.

 Oakland Residence by Knock Architecture & Design - Sheet2
Living Room ©Cesar Rubio

Unsure of where to start, they turned to friends who recommended Knock Architecture and Design. The developed design was rooted in the context, inspired by midcentury modern details, and established major goals of having an open, flowing living space, keeping the project low on the site and compact as possible, and minimizing the site work and number of expensive pier and grade beam footings by using simple volumes and footprints.

 Oakland Residence by Knock Architecture & Design - Sheet3
Kitchen ©Cesar Rubio

The resulting home has the bedroom levels on grade with the entry, and an open plan below that expands to a deck and a compact yard that sits above a vegetable garden. The overall spirit is Midcentury, but with some modern twists including the dramatic marble countertop, black glass cabinets, neolith basalt countertops, and dark bronze windows.

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