By expanding out the back into the large, underutilized yard, a second bedroom, bathroom and large living room were added with minimal disruption to the existing duplex. Large French doors in the new living room are always open during sunny weather and often during the winter because the yard is protected from the wind. The addition was designed to accommodate a future roof deck or upper floor addition. The flow from kitchen to the dining and living areas and into the yard feels natural. The house has become a perfect place for entertaining in temperate Bay Area nights. It’s a private oasis in central Berkeley.