This custom home sits on a ridge in Orinda, and was code named ‘Lyra’, after Lyra Erso in the Star Wars universe. When we were developing options for the hilltop site, we named each scheme after a Star Wars character (Lyra, Galen, Saw, Benthic, Moroff, Pao, Bistan). Our client eventually fell in love with Lyra after a brief infatuation with Moroff. The distinction between schemes/ personalities was driven by variations in folded roof shapes. We like Lyra for her graceful lines, gentle raising of the head to the South, and simple but subtle beauty.

The big driver for the house design was a request by our client to create spaces that could accommodate large format, abstract color field paintings by the client’s father, Freeland ‘Tahn’ Hyun, an artist that fabricated prototypes and models for Frank Gehry. The client’s brother, Graham Hyun, did the unique wood sculptures and objects, as well as the large dining table. The house truly is a family affair.

Lyra was conceived almost 10 years ago, and it took every ounce of energy from our client to see her realized. Unique to the house is a diagonal ridge beam running North- South from which triangular facets fold down. The folds envelop the open plan public spaces from above. Private spaces, including bedrooms, a home office, tv room, laundry and gym are accessed from a stair at the center of the house.