The previous one story house on this steep north slope in the Oakland fire area, fifty steps down from the street, never saw the sun in the winter.

The main floor of the new house is set much higher on the property, and wraps around a south facing courtyard.

The sun is back.

The steepness of the slope allowed two generous bedroom levels to be tucked beneath the modest footprint of the main level, so what appears from the street to be a modest cottage is in reality a voluminous place.

Designed with Dan Smith.