Check out the huge see-through glass terrace, ceiling in this Northern California home

The Sky Haus in Oakland, California, is an elegant and sleek home featuring an “extraordinary design feat” — a 1,000-square-foot glass-floor terrace with panoramic views all the way to San Francisco Bay.

The home’s lower level can be seen through what amounts to a transparent glass ceiling. There’s also a smaller glass balcony wrapping around the lower level.

Built on a hillside, the 4,085-square-foot, five-bedroom, five-bathroom residence has just hit the real estate market for $2.7 million.

“The true masterpiece of Sky Haus is the 1,000-square-foot glass veranda, an extraordinary feat of design constructed from 28 tons of industrial glass,” Compass listing agent Alex Michas said in an email. “Revealing the lower level through the wood and glass ceiling, the home truly becomes one-of-a-kind. Featuring unparalleled three bridge views featured from every room, this home built in 1960, blends modern wood beams with a glass structure.”

The property listing describes the home as “mid-century elegance converges with modern sophistication ... an architectural marvel that epitomizes the essence of refined living.”

The living room, dining area, one of two kitchens and the glass terrace can be found on the main level. The lower level, revealed through the floor of the terrace, houses a family room and second kitchen.

Complete renovation

Owner Tom Lunzer, who retired from a diverse career in the high-tech industry, renovated the house, which was originally built in the 1960s.

“For the Sky Haus, I completely redid the house. I started with the top floor and ended with the garage, laundry room, and pantry,” he said in a statement. “In between was a significant addition to the home. The top floor had four bedrooms facing the San Francisco Bay and two bathrooms. I converted the bedroom next to the primary bedroom into the primary bathroom with great views. The old bathroom became a walk-in closet with a window and two skylights for natural light while dressing.”

Then came the idea for the glass terrace.

“The genesis of the large addition came from recognizing something was missing from my home,” Lunzer said. “The home had a small balcony running across the back of the house. One evening, my son and I sat on the small balcony, talking until midnight. It was delightful, and the weather was perfect.”

The house is two blocks from the Cabot Space and Science Center, Lunzer said. When scientists were planning to relocate a telescope, they chose the hill near Lunzer’s house because it has one of the best micro-climates in the Bay Area and the weather lends itself to outdoor stargazing, as well as just sitting outside.

“The next evening at sunset, I was back on the small balcony thinking about how I could share last night’s experience with more people. The home needed an outdoor space to entertain,” Lunzer said. “One of the reasons I purchased the home was the three-bridge view. However, when I sat down in the living room, the view was blocked by a bulky wooden railing that negated the view. The home needed glass railings.”

Cost of industrial glass

His investigation into glass railings and the cost to produce structural glass unearthed an important discovery. He found that there was a pre-COVID glut of custom industrial glass. The availability of the material at a lower cost made the glass decking possible, he said in the statement.

“The post-pandemic pricing for the 28 tons of glass makes building such a deck out of reach for almost everyone,” he said. “The house is and will remain a one-of-a-kind home.”

The terrace floor consists of 5-by-5-foot glass panels, one-inch thick, while the railing is made of frameless glass sheets. The lower floor features many windows. All of the glass is UV-treated safety glass, and the underside has an added 3M heat-reflecting film, Lunzer said.

“This design prevents the space from becoming too hot, as is sometimes the case with sunrooms,” he added.

Lunzer collaborated with structural engineer Zack Westling of WM Structural.

“This deck is now a statement piece on this hillside,” Westling said in a video interview. “If you look around, it’s one of a kind. There’s nothing else like it.”

Alaskan yellow cedar was used for the beams and exterior wood, which pop out in the design of the home.

“Sleek lines and geometric precision harmonize with natural elements, crafting an ambiance of subtle yet profound elegance,” the propety listing describes.

The house sits on nearly a quarter-acre lot. Lunzer’s vision of blending the hillside environment with the home was not lost on Westling.

“It really immerses you with nature,” he said. “Whether you’re on the roof on a sunny day with your family, or you’re below the deck when it’s raining, hearing the pitter-patter of the droplets above your head, it’s just a beautiful space and connects you with nature no matter the season.”

The Lunzers are selling the property because they are relocating to Utah to be closer to family, according to Compass.