West End Commons Townhouses, Work
Oakland , California

The 91 townhouses that make up West End Commons are arranged in a woven pattern reminiscent of the teeth of a zipper. An array of four "slow alleys", which calm traffic with pavers and are lush with trees, vines, and grasses, bring traffic gently in and out of the development. Buildings set a skewed angles allow residents to look out on greenery rather than at neighboring walls. Running through the site, a meandering park creates eddies along the pathway, giving people opportunities to pause or gather on the way to communal amenities. Throughout, the work-live townhomes combine the light, functional space of a loft with private bedrooms, kitchens, and roomy baths, creating eminently usable space and blurring the boundaries between traditional concepts of "living" and "working".

awards

Gold Nugget Merit Award: Best Live-Work Project
Pacific Coast Builders Conference

project details

Architect

David Baker + Partners

Landscape Architect

CMG Landscape Architects

Structural Engineer

Tipping Mar + Associates

Contractor

L + D Construction

Mechanical Engineer

Plogco

Interior Designer

Your Space Interiors

Photographer

Cesar Rubio