North Berkeley Nature-Inspired Entry

Berkeley, CA

Twilight view of the North Berkeley home with Levitch winding entry stairs, a custom branch inspired metal railing, and a small upper deck creating a more graceful arrival through the trees.
Front approach to the North Berkeley home showing broad lower steps rising to a deck and entry, with organic metal railing and landscaping integrated into the new design.
Closer view of the lower entry stairs with wood treads, stucco sidewalls, and nature inspired metal railing, replacing steep stairs with a safer and more welcoming path.
Small entry deck at the top of the new stairs with wood decking, built in lighting, and seating by the front door, designed by Levitch as a quiet place for coffee or sunset views.
Detail of the custom metal railing with branch like forms and wood cap rails at the new entry stairs, giving the Berkeley front approach an organic look that matches the landscaping.

North Berkeley Nature-Inspired Entry

Berkeley, CA

  • Year Built: 2015

    Nature-inspired entry stairs with a custom metal railing and small deck replace steep stairs creating a more graceful entrance to the home.

    The client wanted to utilize the front yard better and replace their steep entry stairs.

    • Levitch created a more graceful winding stair and added a small deck at the top that’s a perfect spot to enjoy a cup of coffee or the sunset.

    • We used minimal concrete over wood frame construction to reduce weight and potential waterproofing concerns while maintaining a traditional look in keeping with the home.

    • Since the entry upgrades were done in conjunction with landscaping, the owner wanted something that looked organic. We introduced the owner to an architectural metalsmith and created different models for the railing before the owner chose a final design.

     

    Photography by Treve Johnson

  • See how things looked before we started, below.

Process

Before photo of the old entry area side view with steep red painted stairs and a raised planter, showing the cramped approach before Levitch created a winding stair and deck.
Before photo of the original steep front stairs leading to the entry door, with narrow concrete edges and limited landing space before the North Berkeley entry remodel.
Before side view of the entry stairs behind mature trees and planting, showing the steep alignment and tight access that led to the new nature inspired stair design.
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