Hidden House

The clients were referred to us by a mutual friend. They were looking for a large property, and our firm was retained to help them evaluate sites.

Due to code restrictions we were constrained to incorporate an existing structure within a new design.  We tried to find a pattern within the existing house that could lead to a set of rules to unify the new design.  Our approach was to delineate the East and West facing walls in plaster, and the North and south facing walls in wood.   We emphasized the “T” shape of the existing house by extending it to the north.  This plan gave us two exterior courtyards that would become outdoor living areas.

We had originally designed a swimming pool for the north courtyard, but due to cost considerations it was postponed.  The courtyard was landscaped and it became the most active outdoor living area in the scheme.  The pool will be located away from the house, as a destination in the landscape.

The house is part of the evolution of our work.  The redwood and cement plaster are similar to two residences we completed prior to this house, and elements of the Hidden House informed other projects that we’ve done since.  The large wood pivot doors and the beamed ceilings found their way into retail spaces.