Hometelligent Inc. is a San Francisco Bay Area based general contractor specializing in accessory dwelling unit (ADU) construction. The company also completes remodels and additions, property restorations, energy-efficient upgrades, and fine carpentry. President and owner Silvio Dobrovat combines 19th-century work ethic with 21st-century know-how, allowing his company to complete hundreds of projects over the past 30 years.
When a vintage residential property in Orinda, California came on the market a few years ago, Mr. Dobrovat was confident in his firm’s ability to bring it back to its former glory. The large, heavily treed lot featured three stand-alone dwellings and a dramatic uphill slope with a seasonal creek running through it. With these factors in mind, Mr. Dobrovat prioritized the use of natural materials in the restoration of the property. In particular, he chose Humboldt Sawmill redwood decking and timbers to accent the remodeled structures as well as to build new bridges to span the creek. Redwood fencing was used around the property’s perimeter.
“I personally love redwood and I love the contrast to some of the darker colors that we like to use on our projects,” states Mr. Dobrovat.
To create more outdoor living space on the property, the hillside was excavated and a large concrete entertainment space added. Allweather Wood ground contact pressure treated lumber and posts were used for the concrete foundation as well as for retaining walls around the space.
“It’s known that redwood and pressure treated have longevity. But we wanted the wood to age gracefully with the property. The property has some patina, has some vintage, and we thought that wood would compliment this property over time,” Mr. Dobrovat continues.
Redwood specification information including CSI 3-part and Canadian CSC formatted specification, BIM objects, CAD drawings, product catalogs, and LEED credit information, along with American Institute of Architects (AIA) LU/HSW credit hour webinars may all be found by clicking the QR code.
Builder: Silvio Dobrovat, Hometelligent Inc.
Photography: Jack Hutch Photography
