Wurster Modernist Home with Spectacular Views

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7 Greenwood Common, Berkeley

$1,995,000

Cover Image for 7 Greenwood Common, Berkeley presented by Tracy Sichterman & Romney O'Connell

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about this home's

Pedigree and Proportions

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beds

3

baths

3

Interior

3

Lot

3

This Mid-Century home was reimagined by William Wurster in 1957, absorbing the original 1922 Spanish Style home into his greater vision of a Modernist enclave in the Berkeley Hills that became Greenwood Common. Designated as a Berkeley Historic Landmark, the once small three-room structure has changed significantly over the years having been touched by three architects of note; The original Gregory guest house was remodeled by Rudolph Schindler for Sasha Kaun (1940s), then as the Wurster Residence it was remodeled by Architect William Wurster (1950s), then altered by Architect Henry Hill for Morley Baer (1953). The resulting modern design takes full advantage of Berkeley’s most stunning views with walls of glass and panoramic views from most rooms. Uninterrupted views include the Golden Gate Bridge, Mount Tamalpais, San Francisco, and the Bay Bridge.

This kitchen was designed later by Gary Earl Parsons to compliment the minimalist modern structure and to expand the dining room where the original small kitchen once stood. The main workspace continues the exploration of modernist proportions and creates a tall bright box in balance with the living and dining rooms. The original exterior window above the pantry was kept as a visual connection to the upper level. Clerestory windows add volume and functional lighting. The invisible corner in the clerestory maintains an uninterrupted view through the structure while on the patio. The ideal proportions of the space are achieved by housing most of the storage and additional workspace in the long adjoining pantry.

The vertical floor plan allows maximum exposure to the views and creates privacy between the three bedrooms. This privacy is a rare feat as none of the bedrooms share an adjoining wall. The two upper-level primary bedrooms have private ensuite baths. The third ground-floor bedroom is nearly level to the parking area through the garden gate and has its own entrance. Also on this level are the third bath, a recognizable Wurster-designed study, and the library.

As a compliment to its Modernist architecture, the home’s interior color palette is an homage to the Dutch painter and Modernist Piet Mondrian. Mondrian’s grid-like work distilled the essentials in order to achieve a concept of universal beauty. Like a Mondrian painting, dark lines carve rectangles on a largely white canvas, while blocks of pure primary color evoke emotion. The concept pure blacks and primary colors were softened and subtly tweaked to better complement the views and surrounding landscaping. The library, which has traditionally been a red hue, is the 2023 Benjamin Moore color of the year, Raspberry blush.

The house has the largest yard on the Common. The land drops downhill on the west side enhancing the views. A large deck off the dining room wraps around the side of the house to the patio and gardens. Even with the hillside, level yard areas are abundant. The existing gardens were designed by Lawrence Halprin and are beautifully maintained. Halprin’s work includes a carport, decks, and enclosed gardens. Large double doors open from the library onto the deck and patio. This deck is sheltered from the north and west, keeping it warmer on windy days. A lush wisteria trellis edges the brick patio. A field of landscaping stone adds textural interest and an additional level landing. Gates on two sides lead straight from the private yard to the level lawn of the common area. The result provides many garden rooms and seating areas to enjoy both the privacy of the site and the outstanding views. Berkeley pathways allow connection from the secluded historic community directly to Berkeley Campus and many walkable amenities.