Living on Water
LIVING ON WATER
This hillside Sausalito residence boasts a stunning 180-degree view of the Bay. Designed by the late architect Donald Olsen in the mid-90s, the home was thoughtfully modernized as an elegant family living space that still honors the unique, original structure.
The remodel embraced the existing volume’s boat-like curves, customizing new elements to be in harmony with the form of the house. This can be seen in the custom curved sofa in the primary sitting room, which was made to fit perfectly with the room’s curved windows. Throughout the home, textured fabrics and sculptural furnishings create a dialogue with the original form.
Much of the home’s character comes from its relationship with the water it sits on. To strengthen this connection and ‘bring in’ the water, the existing warmer color scheme was switched out for cooler tones. This approach is seen throughout the space, with glimmering blue shower tiles in the bathroom, blue upholstery on the lower level, and in the central spiral staircase, which was updated to a beautiful dark gray instead of its original cherry. Carefully selected textures further emphasize this sense of living on water. In particular, a 15-foot, white Tasmanian glass feature surrounds the living room sofa, designed by a renowned Berkeley workshop to mimic the appearance of water. Everything flows and is harmonious.
Contractor: Fontana Construction, Inc.
Photographer: Roger Davies Photography