Adding Interest with Natural Finishes
Stone-Cohn
Berkeley, California | 2010
Initially, this was a very plain and simple home on a really beautiful piece of land in the Berkeley hills. As glass blowers and creative people, the homeowners envisioned a living space with architectural interest and natural finishes. They also wanted easy access to an outdoor area so they could enjoy the spectacular view of the Bay.
Architect: Gary Earl Parsons
We rebuilt the deck and added the gorgeous window/door and awning. From inside the house, you can reach the deck from both the kitchen and bedroom. The view from this deck really makes you feel like you’re on top of the world.
In the master bedroom, we installed tongue-and-groove fir cladding to the ceiling (we did this in the kitchen, as well). We used fir for most of the casings, windows, and doors throughout the home.
The counters are soapstone and the butcher-block island is walnut. The kitchen cabinets are alder, and the floor is dark oak. The fir window casings were the fourth species of wood used in the kitchen. The combination of wood created a truly natural feeling, like the homeowners wanted.
All the windows in this home were epic. This huge kitchen window really opened up the room to an immense amount of light. As in every Gary Parsons job, every single detail needed to be cut and executed perfectly to make it all fit and align. Our master carpenter Chris D’Andrea installed everything and did an amazing job.
“Over the years, my architecture firm has developed a list of contractors who consistently produce great work at competitive prices and who always take care of their clients impeccably. The list is a ‘one-strike-and-you’re-out’ affair, and those who stay on the list generally stay for many years.
At the top of that list is Carlen and Company. C and C have proven to be largely unbeatable when quality of product and depth of customer care is weighed against the cost of the job; in short, the overall value is very difficult to beat. The company is multi-generational, and as such combines the wiliness of experience with the enthusiasm and energy of (relative) youth. In all aspects, the quality of the craftsmanship is top-notch.
While horror stories regarding construction are a dime a dozen, there do exist less titillating stories where everyone leaves the process pleased and happy; Carlen and Co. is one of the reasons such wonderful stories exist.”
