Favorites

There are more than 1,200 window panes in the Kellogg Doolittle House. Each week, Vugrin drove to a local glass shop to pick up finished panes and drop off more patterns—and $5,000 in cash. Only the Doolittles know the total cost of the house; new owner Scott Leonard almost certainly paid millions for it.

The tree void allows a strong visual connection between the first and second storeys. It enhances the house's sense of spaciousness as well as green features. The outdoor furniture is from Danish Design Co.

The house's structural system is most apparent at the first storey sheltered, outdoor parts that are covered by an expansive timber ceiling.

The master bedroom on the second storey has privacy buffer with the placement of the generous patio and tree void upfront. The custom bed frame designed by Stacey Leong Interiors continues the architecture's linear language.

The white, light interior palette contrasts with the shell's dark tones.

First Storey Plan

Second Storey Plan

The cabinetry throughout the unit and the bathroom tiling are offered in either white (pictured above) or black color schemes.

Several Marvin windows in the 540-square-foot space contribute to a sense of openness with unobstructed sightlines.

The home features a combination of interior and exterior living spaces that afford privacy to the occupants. “There are social spaces for everyone to be together, but also spots outside the building where people can have a private coffee—and that’s so important,” says architect Line Solgaard.

A view of the ipe-and-steel bridge from the main house to the annex.

The annex "lanai" opens up to the deck for indoor/outdoor living.

The ceiling drops down significantly over the built-in bench in the living area to create a cozy nook. “Like the kitchen, it’s a space within a space,” Thomas says. The wooden boards are flush with the window frame, allowing the sun to wash down the wall.

Perched high above Oakland, this expanded midcentury soaks up jaw-dropping views—even from the bathroom.

"The staircase is a ribbon to fold you downstairs," says Andrew.