Garden House, El Cerrito

This back yard renovation by landscape architect Sarah Moos, included the concept for a five sided garden house with three large glass panels for viewing the garden and bay views. The enclosed structure makes it possible to shelter from the prevailing winds for enjoyment year around. It is a timber famed douglas fir structure with no visible fasteners, sided with red western cedar. The decking and stairs are of manchiche hardwood. I built a foam core model and drew the detailed architectural plans. All phases of construction were performed by myself with the assistance of Josh Rosenthal. Special thanks to Malissa Washburn for tips on traditional building techniques.

Talavera Tile Bathroom. Alameda, California

This complete bathroom remodel showcases handmade Talavera tile, beautiful plumbing fixtures, and a custom African Mohagany cabinet. Design by homeowner and Jim Thornton. General construction, Jim Thornton, Brian Donahue, and Josh Rosenthal. Tile setting by Jim Thornton. Cabinetry and plaster, Brian Donahue. Plumbing, Ray Valesco. Electrical and lighting by Richard Wagner Electric.

The Arlington, El Cerrito, California

This project included a complete bathroom remodel and installing tile on the rear exterior colonnade. General construction, Jim Thornton and Brian Donahue. Tile by Jim Thornton, granite countertops by Brian Donahue and Jim Thornton. Plumbing, Ray Velasco. Painting by  Rob Finn. Electrical and lighting, Richard Wagner Electric. 

Bungalow Kitchen, Berkeley, California

This kitchen makeover uses the original cabinets modified with some new matching cabinetry made in our shop, solving the too-small-kitchen problem without a complete tear out and remodel. Design by homeowner. General Construction, Jim Thornton and Brian Donahue. Subway tile backsplash and marble counters by Jim Thornton and Brian Donahue. Electrical and lighting, Richard Wagner Electric. Painting by Rob Finn.

Contemporary Kitchen. Montclair, California

A beautiful, sleek kitchen in the hills above Montclair Village in Oakland, California. Tile setting and finish carpentry by Jim Thornton, cabinets by Freedman and Chesley

Bath House

This mid-century bath house was dilapidated due to the original improper tile installation. Rotting floor joists and decking were replaced, and new tile installed throughout. Finish carpentry was restored or replaced. Tile setting and carpentry by Jim Thornton. Structural and Electrical by Feroe Electric.

Saltillo basement. Berkeley, California

This basement in the Berkeley hills was made warm and charming with hand troweled plaster walls, and saltillo tile and oiled oak floors. Tile setting, flooring, and finish carpentry by Jim Thornton.

Rockridge Renovation

This 1918 Rockridge neighborhood home in Oakland, California had been sorely neglected for half a century. Restoration was from foundation to roof. Part of the downstairs floor plan was changed to accommodate a larger kitchen and access to the rear garden. Major structural retrofitting was a key concern. The back garden was relieved of its pavement, and the mid-century three car garage was converted into a workshop/studio.
Jim Thornton: design, architectural drawings, structural and finish carpentry, tile setting, and landscaping. Foundation and seismic anchoring by Duval Construction. Roofing by Westco. Plumbing, Ray Velasco, electrical, Feroe Electric. Custom cherry Cabinets by Kit Young (my former employer/collaborator of many years).

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