AR x ARCH

Unearthing Poetry in Maxwell Park

When architect and designer Anthony Roxas descended the narrow, hazardous staircase into the cold and gloomy garage of this Maxwell Park bungalow, he could already envision the peaceful vista of the East Bay skyline and trees beyond the walls. With that freedom and imagination he realized what is nothing short of a transformative space for the resident family to read, play, reflect, and take in the natural panorama. A warm wood beam above this new family room stretches towards the expansive windows and french doors to the deck and sunny day outside. “You don’t feel like you’re in the middle of the city right now,” he affirms, “it’s a two for one, you’re bringing light in and you’re looking out.”

The passageway down is reimagined with inviting wood stairs that seamlessly connect both levels of the home. Roxas describes this movement as akin to “walking through the narrow alleys of Venice and then coming to a courtyard, opening into this grand space.” As quickly as one might want to tramp down any stairs, the effect of the tall window brings breath and respite as eyes are drawn to the angles of light and form that gesture at the landscape and sky above. “No matter what time of day it’s going to get light and shadows in here,” he contemplates, “that’s bringing nature and God in. Every shadow of every day is going to be different – the way it dances and moves gets really sculptural and poetic.”

This attention to the majestic topography of the Northern California region is extended to the refreshed bathroom adjacent to the family room. Vertically set tile in shades of teal echo the treeline glimpsed from another window above a well-placed shower seat. Additional bedroom and multipurpose living areas adjoin, a feat of maximization that brings a whole new level of spaciousness for the parents, the children – even the dog.

While an extension or addition was not built for the structure, the added value within the existing footprint remains tremendous. Roxas explains his inquiries which guided the process: “What do we do with this blank canvas underneath? How can we carve that space out and create these family moments in this space? We re-coded how the space was supposed to be used.”

This sunlit answer is an unassuming treasure of craftsmanship, a comforting family oasis. His eye for artistry goes beyond function and design: “I try to make poetry with windows and walls,” says Roxas.

The final touch to the shared family space are the three enlarged prints from artist Jerisa Macalino’s coloring book, “Young Heart, Old Soul.” With the family’s vibrant personality already shining through, these pieces add a nice balance of imagery and cultural connection that speaks to the Filipino-American Heritage and stories shared by the architect and clients.