House on the Cliff

Perched above San Francisco Bay, this playhouse for inspiration and entertaining was transformed from old concrete into a glass roost rimmed with clear overlooks.

Story +

To build it, we strengthened and expanded the original foundation, repurposed the prior pool into a reservoir with sand filter that gentles the run of storms down steep rock to the sea, and steadied the cantilevered terrace, afloat over the cliff ’s edge. Vanishing doors frame bridges, islands and the dip and glide of gulls, whales and sailors racing crest to crest, ensuring nothing separates the sumptuous interior from the pure peace of the ocean.

Belvedere, California
15,500 square feet and 5,000 square feet of terraces

Walker & Moody Architects
Laughlin Designs, Interior Designer
Suzman Design Associates, Landscape Architect
Summit Engineering, Structural Engineer
CSW/Stuber-Stroeh Engineering Group, Civil Engineer
Cello & Maudru Woodshop, Cabinetmaker

"They work very hard to figure out a workable solution within the budget. They’re willing to go the extra yard to satisfy their clients and the people that work with them.”

— RANDE LARSEN, ARCHITECT

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