WHOLE HOUSE RENOVATION
PHOTO GALLERY

On Top of the World

A GJ Builders and Shure Design
and Construction Collaboration

Kent Gjemre and his company, GJ Builders, specialize in the difficult if not impossible.

With over 25 years of experience in high-end construction and construction management he has built his career on being able to achieve uncommon results under demanding circumstances.

Marc Shure of Shure Design and Construction has been designing and remodeling high end residential and commercial projects in Los Angeles and the Bay Area since 1981.

He creates cabinetry, furniture, relief carvings, and architectural millwork at his design studio/wordworking shop in Berkeley.

"When we were first approached about doing this project, we realized it was not only going to take some first rate design skills, but an extreme amount of budget and schedule coordination in order for it to be successful," said Gjemre. "With only four months to complete the project, Marc and I felt that a collaboration of our unique individual skills could make this challenging project a real success."

The interior project included a complete kitchen replacement as well as design and installation of all new architectural trim throughout the house, new tile work in the bathrooms, and by the addition of glass railings in the living room. As well, by opening up the views, and a top to bottom change in the color scheme, the entire look and feel of the house was transformed.

While Gjemre tackled the budgeting, schedule and coordination issues, Shure set about the design challenges and interior finish aspects. "I wanted my design of the interior to connect with the views of the surrounding mountains and hills, and to reflect the randomness of the natural world," said Shure.
This stunning concept is reflected in everyting from the random shapes in the railings that blend with the hills and mountains in the distance, to the sand blasted glass panel he created next to the entry door that reflects the red tailed hawks and eagles that regularly soar the adjacent canyons.

The unparalleled views to the bay and surrounding hillsides envelops you from every room. The effect is one that literally brings the outside into the house.

The kitchen, done in solid cherry cabinets, bordeaux granite, and new stainless stell appliances make the kitchen truly a one-of-a-kind, complimented by a hand-carved cherry panel above the refridgerator, personally done by Shure as a gift to the owners.

The exterior aspects of the project included the complete removal and replacement of all stucco, roof, windows, decks, and metal railings. The new windows were recessed and bullnosed, the angled pitch of the roof was raised, and a new smoother stucco finish in a color that matches the tones of the surrounding hills helped complete the picture. With large elegant light fixtures gracing the house on three sides, there now stands a majestic home that is complimentary to the unique property it sits upon.

The overall effect of the changes both inside and out have given the house an open and warm feeling, and connected it to the natural surroundings and views.

A truly transformed home "On Top Of The World."