This Saturday’s Sharp Homes

The roof on the ‘Butterfly Ranch’ in Lafayette does more than suggest flight. It provides exposure to the sun, and a center valley that collects rainwater for re-use and provides a convenient spot for solar panels.

The ranch will be open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. this Saturday August 11 as part of ‘2012 Home Tours: East Bay Living,’ a self-guided tour of seven homes in Emeryville, Berkeley, Albany, and Lafayette. Tickets are $40 in advance, and $50 on the day of the tour, if any remain.

“They all have modern and sustainable elements,” says Sidney Sweeney, executive director of the East Bay American Institute of Architects, which sponsors the tour.

Also on the tour is the ‘Berkeley Courtyard House,’ by WA Design, a 4,880-square-foot house high in the hills, its three wings connected by two breezeways. Also with a bit of a butterfly roof, the home uses zinc shingles for cladding.

In Emeryville, the firm Swatt/Miers Architects shows off a more modest Simpatico Prototype prefab home, built for a prefab developer who grew up in an Eichler. Besides solar panels, the house has a living green roof—something Eichler never provided.

Here’s more on ‘East Bay Living.’ Also call 510-464-3600 or e-mail [email protected].