The design of this single family home in the Berkeley-Oakland hills grew out of the challenges of the very steep, north-facing lot, and setback requirements from both the street and a creek to the side of the lot. The dug-in garages are oriented to minimize retaining wall heights, with the rest of the house oriented to the setbacks. Roof patios compensate for the steepness of the land, while dug-in courts to the east and south provide ground access from the dining room and upper bedrooms.

The 2,360 sq. ft. house is arranged in four vertical levels, all inter-connected with a central light shaft, large enough to contain the stairs and an elevator.