TURMAN AND ASSOCIATES
Berkeley, Calif.

MASAO WANI
Albany, Calif.

Project name: Ford-Lewis Teahouse
Project location: Berkeley, Calif.
Square footage: 320
Total project cost: $85,000

The clients of this project requested a detached, single-story, Japanese-style structure using exposed, warm wood-filtered natural light and dramatic rock and garden views. Tom Turman, principal, Turman and Associates in Berkeley, Calif., and Greg Lemley, associate, worked closely with Japanese contractor, Masao Wani and the clients to choose material, fixture and color combinations.

The site itself presented the major challenges in the successful construction of this building. The possible footprint was limited by prescribed setbacks; downhill drainage problems; existing trees; a large, existing deck at the front of the uphill residence; and the significant display of boulders rising up to 7 ft. above grade. In addition, the teahouse is next to a public walk, so window placement and acoustical considerations were a challenge.

Turman and Associates developed a possible building envelope based on the many site challenges. It began with an intricate drainage system underlying the foundation. The final shape and floor plan of the teahouse is a structure which satisfies all zoning requirements, maintains all major trees, partially tucks under the existing deck, and nestles within the rock outcropping. The portion of the building in the front of the deck nestles between trees and within the rocks where its curved roof is allowed to make its statement.