Overlooking the glittering lights of Oakland and the Golden Gate far on the horizon, Skyline House perches on one of the highest ridges of the East Bay mountain range. Designed by Terry & Terry Architecture, this thoughtfully crafted residence takes full advantage of its elevated setting. The entry immediately frames a continuous sightline through the open common space to the rear balcony and sweeping panorama beyond, making the view the organizing element of the home. Nestled among tall redwoods and a tranquil garden, the design keeps the focus firmly on the surrounding landscape.
From an altitude of approximately 1,800 feet above sea level, the first design feature that commands attention is the sculpted tubular roof and the sweeping, undulating wooden ceiling it produces. The curved ceiling becomes especially dramatic at dusk and after dark, when recessed lighting within the timber form and the distant glow of Oakland combine to create an intimate, atmospheric interior. Beyond its visual drama, the roof’s geometry also promotes natural ventilation: the tube-like form channels cooling breezes into the living spaces while the rest of the house remains sheltered from the elements.
The main level contains the open-plan kitchen, dining area and living room, all oriented toward the garden and an alfresco dining terrace. Large glazing and the rear balcony visually and physically extend the interior into the outdoors, encouraging daily use of exterior spaces and offering unobstructed sightlines to the valley below. Natural materials—warm wood finishes and generous decking—help the contemporary architecture sit comfortably within the wooded site.
A staircase descends to the private lower level, which houses the bedrooms, a home office and a media room. These spaces are deliberately more intimate in scale, offering retreat and comfort after a day spent in the light and air of the main living areas. Large windows and carefully placed openings maintain a strong connection to the site while providing privacy and shelter from wind and weather.
Material choices emphasize tactile warmth and a sense of calm. The continuous wood surfaces of the ceiling and deck create visual cohesion, while neutral finishes keep the focus on light, shadow and the framed views beyond. Built-in lighting integrated into the wooden tube enhances the rhythm of the ceiling at night, turning the open common space into a cozy, sculptural living room.
Bathrooms and private rooms continue the dialogue with the landscape; one of the bathing areas, for example, looks out toward Oakland and the Golden Gate, allowing occupants to enjoy the view in moments of quiet. A generous staircase is accompanied by a large glass window that frames the surrounding woods, bringing daylight deep into the circulation spaces.
At night the house becomes part of the landscape as the city lights join the composition, adding a distant, sparkling backdrop to the warm glow within. The property’s generous deck and front yard create comfortable outdoor rooms for relaxation and entertaining, while unobstructed sightlines keep the balcony visually open to the valley.
Photography: Bruce Damonte
RELATED: Majestic Mountain Views And Untamed Elements Shape The Fourmile Sky House
