‘Ooh La La’ Gem in Orinda - Page 2

For sale—architect Paul Hammarberg’s modernist haven is a creekside delight
By Adriene Biondo
Fridays on the Homefront
Architect Paul Hammarberg "did a wonderful job of designing this house to go with the environment, and the California culture of indoor-outdoor living," says listing agent Laura Abrams.

The home's extensive system updating incorporates energy efficiency with a solar system, dual-pane windows, radiant heating, and mini-split HVAC that provides additional heating and cooling supplemented by a Kohler home generator.

The chef's kitchen was recently remodeled and expanded to accommodate even the serious home chef, and includes an induction cooktop and steam convection oven.

The 1.22-acre, gated-estate property offers beautifully landscaped gardens, a greenhouse, and level lawn areas ideal for entertaining and dining al fresco. In addition, there are two areas that would make ideal spots for the addition of a swimming pool.

 

Fridays on the Homefront

 

"The lawn does a subtle slope down towards the creek," Abrams adds. "Though it's probably down 100 feet to the creek, it's a gentle drop-off, and kids could scramble down there. You can hear the frogs, which only adds to the charm of it."

Architect Paul Hammarberg was born in Canada in 1912. His parents, Albert and Gertrude, were natives of Sweden who relocated to Berkeley that same year.

 

Fridays on the Homefront

 

Hammarberg graduated from the University of California at Berkeley's School of Architecture in 1933. According to the American Institute of Architects, he became a member of the AIA's East Bay Chapter in 1938, designing a residence in Alameda in 1939.

By 1961, the architect partnered with Arthur Herman, establishing the firm of Hammarberg and Herman. The firm's AIA profile lists a number of their projects built during the 1950s and '60s, including the El Cerrito Plaza Shopping Center, Walnut Bowl Recreation Center, Comstock Co-op Apartments, Sans-Souci Co-op Apartments, and the San Pablo Shopping Center.

 

Fridays on the Homefront

Significant among Hammarberg's larger projects are the Fontana Towers at San Francisco's North Point. The two luxury towers are 17 stories, and feature 144 apartments. Built in 1963-'65 by Hammarberg and Herman, the towers were featured on a San Francisco waterfront walking tour in 2021 by NorCal Docomomo.

For additional information and photos of the Brookbank property, click here.