Thorsen House

The Thorsen House is a large residential building in Berkeley designed in 1909 by architects Greene and Greene. Intricate wooden details, handcrafted leaded glass windows, and carefully selected materials are evident throughout both the interior and exterior.

It was built in 1909 for William Thorsen and represents the design principles of the American Arts and Crafts movement that shaped the era. This movement valued handcrafted quality over mass-produced industrial goods.

The California Alpha Chapter of Sigma Phi Society has called this place home since 1942 and opens it to visitors regularly. Living here connects residents to a tradition of caring for finely crafted spaces and understanding how materials and design shape daily life.

Guided tours are available on weekdays by requesting entry at the front door of the house. Since it remains a residence, checking in advance about visiting times and following the guidelines of current residents helps ensure a good experience.

The front entrance features a leaded glass window depicting grape vines, created by Emil Lange who also contributed to other Greene projects. This detail shows how specialized craftspeople moved between different homes designed by the architects.