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In 1939, Havens was living in the Coxhead-designed Rieber House at 15 Canyon Road. But he wanted something altogether different: a house that would take maximum advantage of the glorious view. And he had other requirements: walls that should be either books or glass; a spiral stair; a pass-through between kitchen and dining room; and a map of the world. The architect delivered just that. In 1944, Harris described the design for a House Beautiful article devoted exclusively to this house:
The main (upper) floor of the dwelling includes living and dining rooms, kitchen, and a guestroom. Like the exterior, the interior walls, cabinetry, and doors are made of redwood. In the public rooms, note the lively contrast between inner and outer walls. Along the east wall, the ceiling is only seven-feet high. Here the warm colors of redwood bookshelves, brick hearth, books and furniture bestow an intimate atmosphere. In contrast, the western wall is all glass, extending the living space toward the view by way of a wraparound balcony, where the eaves are 15-feet high. In the dining room, the east wall displays a world map mural painted by Patricia Fudger, a family friend. The middle panels of this mural open to reveal a pass-through to the kitchen, which retains its original cabinetry.
Source: Daniella Thompson, from the Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association 2005 House Tour guidebook, Panoramic Hill. > link to Berkeley Architectural Heritage site |