A Grown-Up Fort in Berkeley, California

From Margaret on January 17th, 2011 in Home Additions

grown-up fort berkeley

Behind the renovated 1906 Victorian of Sarah Deeds and John McBride lies a 120-square-foot office and art studio. Where normally a carriage house would stand on such a historic property, Deeds of Deeds Design and McBride, a carpenter, have created what they consider a kind of fort.

grown-up fort patio

In fact, Deeds put in a large south-facing window to overlook a California buckeye tree that provides welcome summer shade, to contribute to the building’s “clubhouse feel.”

grown-up fort dining

Since it was a design project, Deeds felt the luxury of changing the project according to need throughout the process—even during construction. With the pentagon shape created to maximize interior space, such an individualized design needed tweaking along the way.

grown-up living room

grown-up fort office

The teensy space integrates into the nature around it. From salvaged wood, eco-intelligent fiberglass, a door from a previous project, VOC-free paints and finishes—and even denim cotton insulation—this little edition is simply grand.

grown-up fort night

Source: Dwell

3 Responses to “A Grown-Up Fort in Berkeley, California”

Robert Manderson Says:

January 28th, 2011 at 12:11 pm

Gotta love Dwell. Second article I have stumbled upon by Margaret Everton. Profilic gal.

Brittany Says:

February 2nd, 2011 at 11:12 am

Hey Robert, thanks for the Stumble love! We dig Dwell (and forts) even more than the average blog.

EPDM Coatings Says:

October 15th, 2011 at 3:03 am

Looking awesome. Thanks for sharing.

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About the Author:

Margaret Everton
I ran a design boutique in Beverly Hills before designing and consulting about children’s spaces privately. I also consult and write often about efficient living and green design. In this web-wide world of design, I offer virtual consulting and design packages, and love to help create successful spaces. I believe that a deliberate environment increases the happiness of families and individuals—deliberate in style and aesthetics as well as functionality. The oldest of six children, and a parent of two, I have also personally seen how good design matters. In the hustle of daily life, sometimes the greatest parental tool is a calm atmosphere in which to unwind and engage with each other.