Haiku House is the centerpiece of a unique property consisting of four structures including a main house, guesthouse, beach house and garage dispersed among native and exotic plant gardens that extend from Paradise Dr. down to the Bay.
Located on a bluff overlooking the San Francisco Bay, Haiku House is the centerpiece of a unique property in Tiburon, CA consisting of four structures including a main house, guesthouse, beach house and garage dispersed among native and exotic plant gardens that extend from Paradise Dr. down to the Bay.
The main house was a kit house based on a Minka, a traditional Japanese farmhouse and sold by Haiku Houses. Haiku Houses were constructed using a round log timber frame supporting a large hipped tile roof and typically elevated above the ground. This particular home had a Douglas Fir structural frame, combed spruce ceilings and redwood paneling throughout the interior.
The steep concrete driveway and small auto court were difficult to navigate, unsafe and cumbersome. The driveway also lacked a connection to the main house, while the rear deck was undersized, which did not harmonize with the client’s plans for a new pool. The main house felt divided and cramped with a series of small bedrooms and bathrooms on the lower floor and a loft with a sloped ceiling on the upper floor. The client’s vision for the home included large, open living spaces, better sense of entry, dedicated office, large master suite and a Zen room.
On the exterior, a concrete retaining wall was added to flatten and expand the auto court to create a more functional driveway. The entryway was moved to the side of the home to limit noise from cars and create a more distinct entry that is better connected to the new layout of the main floor. The rear deck was expanded to accommodate the new infinity pool and expose sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay.
Inside, the staircase was flipped to create the new entryway and a more open layout. The expansive new kitchen and living room boast magnificent views of the Bay while existing skylights pull light into the space. Functional elements including a coat closet, utility room, office and Zen room were added to accommodate the client’s request for a living space better suited to their lifestyle.
