Ordway Street Craftsman

An Albany family, limited in dwelling size by their small lot, waited patiently for a house on a more generous lot to become available. Their intention was to renovate and add a second story, which was fulfilled when they found this house on Ordway. Having previously been a rental, the building was weathered, but it also possessed craftsmen moments at the interiors, like built-in Douglas Fir cabinetry and exposed box beams, that could be preserved. Our clients sought to continue those qualities throughout the remodel.

To meet the family’s vision of how they would like to live in their home, we proposed reorganizing the main level of the house for improved circulation and to better accommodate a new staircase. One major change was to move the home’s front door and porch steps to the side, giving a more private entrance while deterring solicitors. A handmade dutch door with a high split was installed for connection to the street and to keep the dogs in. The downstairs living and dining rooms were preserved for their craftsman character, and a large kitchen and family room were added to the back with access to the rear garden. 

Inside, aged douglas fir elements and oak flooring lend a natural color palette, and "new but vintage" elements can be found throughout the design. The firebox was removed for seismic reasons and the remaining flanking cabinets were developed into an entry built-in. This created an opportunity to construct a new fireplace in a more ideal location, with adjacent cabinets replicated to match the originals. Heath black metallic tile and cold rolled steel were used to clad the firebox, and vintage mustard wallpaper was selected for its warm tones in the dining room. In wanting to have a more open feel, doorways between rooms were added and reproduced to match the existing cased openings. 

The kitchen was designed in a traditional language to better work with the rest of the house. Built-in wood and steel shelving compliment exposed beams and bring materiality into the black and white kitchen. A large island designed like a piece of furniture has a Virginia soapstone worktop that contrasts with the white marble at the back wall. A built-in banquette provides for casual eating with a group of friends. French doors lead outside to a fire pit patio for an indoor-outdoor feel. An accessory building was constructed in the garden to serve as a potting shed and overflow space for teenagers.

Upstairs, three bedrooms and two bathrooms were created and positioned so that the primary bedroom captures bay views. Its bathroom is detailed with black wood-like tile, mint green cabinetry, and a glass shower with a large skylight in the corner. The vintage style towel warmer was important to include, as towels seem to have a more difficult time drying in our Bay Area humidity. 

To house the family’s wine collection, an environmentally controlled basement was constructed with our custom-designed Sapele wine racks; a type of mahogany used in wine storage due to its hardness, resistance to warping, and lack of smell to taint the wine.

“Our family is building a two story home with Stacy and her team. We want to keep the essence of the old craftsman but bring in modern living sensibilities. Stacy and Aska listen well, make sure they understand our needs and then bring creative ideas, empathy, and experience. We are still in the process, but so far I would highly recommend Eisenmann Architecture.”

- Kelly (Client)