House of Light
Berkeley, Calif.
Award of Merit

Owner | Lead Designer: Rangr Studio
Contractor | Construction Manager: Conscious Construction
Structural Engineer: ZFA Structural Engineers

Located in the hills of Berkeley, the design of this three-level house is guided primarily by seismic constraints. To address risks from earthquakes and landslides, the house is built on grade beams resting on concrete piles embedded in bedrock. This structure avoids the complexity and expense of excavation and retaining walls. The design includes the first use of residential seismic-damper frames, which allow the house to withstand a maximum earthquake with minimal damage. Architecturally, the space is open, simple and contemporary, with Alaskan yellow cedar finishes in interior and exterior spaces on the top level. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer views of the Bay Bridge, Golden Gate Bridge and nearby mountains.

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