archive creates private, panoramic roof deck for san francisco home

archive creates private, panoramic roof deck for san francisco home
all images courtesy of archive architecture

amidst the sparking blue-green water and sun-filled sky of san francisco, california is berkeley hills. located in the area, which offers panoramic views of the san francisco bay, there is a two structured home owned by a travel writer. the two buildings — one housing the main living space, and the other the garage with a guest house above — are connected via a narrow, enclosed breezeway. while offering little more than a convenient walkway from one to the other, peering through trees and neighboring homes it was possible to capture a small bit of the golden gate bridge. 

seating area extends below stairway

the client wanted a cozy, comfortable space for contemplation and relaxation; one that would transport her mind from the everyday, and into the ideal writing mindset. local architecture firm archive was given the task, which approached the project in several ways. the main structure replaces the narrow walkway with a much larger space, covered with a canopy and enclose by the home and guest flat on either side. in the middle of the overhang, a strategically placed void frames the sky and clouds, and also connects the space to rain and sunshine. 

the upper viewing deck opens up uninterrupted views of the san francisco bay

in the back, a staircase leads up to a small viewing/ meditation platform which adds a third story to the site. the top area offers 300 degree views of the bay, golden gate bridge, and the surrounding oak filled hills. directly below the deck is an intimate seating space with built-in benches. voids in the walls allow the trees which line the property to be properly enjoyed. the entire structure is timber-framed covered with sustainably-sourced marine plywood painted milk white with natural, exterior grade paint. the project transforms the under utilized space into a small private escape that’s fully able to enjoy panoramic views of the bay area. 

sky portal 

the deck intervention is situated between the two main structures on the property

voids in seating area reveal glimpses of flowering trees along the property line 

stairway leading to viewing & meditation platform

curtains at western edge control sunlight in the late afternoon

stairway and sky portal

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