Nestled among the California Redwoods in Oakland’s Piedmont Pines is this treehouse home by architect Marvin Gunderson—listed for the first time since 1988.
Gunderson designed many homes in the Oakland Hills area and was influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright’s ideas about organic architecture and light. The 1970s property at 6145 Castle Drive is built with natural materials, clean geometric lines, and tons of natural light.
The major interior feature is the property’s sloping pecky cedar ceilings, which have a unique striation and texture. This is caused by fungus spores that affect the tree when it is growing; the infection stops once a tree is felled, and it leaves the timber with a distinctive texture and character—a feature that runs throughout the 2,660 sq ft home, giving each space a cabin-like forest feel.
Views are also crucial to the tree house vibes: expansive windows capture vistas of the bay and the surrounding Redwoods. while also giving the feeling of being ‘suspended in the sky’.
Much of the Piedmont Pines residence is original, including its tiled floors and fieldstone fireplace, kitchen and bathrooms, and most rooms open to the outdoors.
Tatum Boyle of Compass is listing the Californian property for $1.795m. See more in the gallery.