Donald and Helen Olsen Residence

Berkeley, CA, 1954

Just two years after completing the Kip House, Olsen purchased the lot next door and built the now landmarked Olsen House. Using primarily steel and glass the house was designed to afford a great deal of privacy due to the grading of the lot and the trees that surrounded the plot. The lower level holds the entrance to the house and design studio. Stairs connect the lower level to the upper level and feature a lovely mural created by artist Clare Falkenstein. The main floor features an open floor plan with a living room, kitchen, and bedrooms. Olsen remodeled several times over the years and also closed in two of the three deck areas to create more living space. The Donald & Helen Olsen House is both a City of Berkeley Historic Landmark and listed in the National Register of Historic Places.