Hillsborough Residence | John Lum Architecture

This Japanese-inspired/craftsman, heavy-timber house was directly influenced by our client’s love of nature and their desire to build a home in a style that spoke to them. They definitely did not want a cold modern box nor did they want to build a historical revival house so typical of this affluent community. We designed the house using natural materials that clearly express structure while emphasizing the cozy and intimate versus the grand. Although traditional in feeling, the house is a casual house designed for a lifetime of living for this family of five.

Located on a remarkable 2-acre hill-side lot with 180 degree views of the Bay, the 6,000 square foot new house replaced a nondescript rancher. The main rooms have been placed along the edge of the slope in a linear arrangement to afford a view while allowing for maximum sun and breeze exposure. A generous entry porch welcomes the visitor, leading past a stair hall to the double-height Great Room placed on axis with Mt. Diablo peak in the East Bay. Designed to be the heart and active space of the house, it borders a large open kitchen, breakfast nook, outdoor sitting room, and kids’ study directly connecting to the space. A formal dining room, game room, parent studies (an octagonal space in homage to Frank Lloyd Wright), guest suite, and dog room complete the first floor. Upstairs are four bedrooms, all uniquely configured as they are tucked under the heavy timbered attic space. A 2,000 SF partial basement contains a media room, wine cellar, gym and man cave.

Interior Design: Mansfield + O’Neil
Interior Photography: Paul Dyer
Exterior Photography: Richard Barnes