Skyline Hillside New Home

This Skyline Drive home high above Silicon Valley turns a solid shoulder of pigmented cement plaster to the prevailing Pacific weather while offering walls of glass to the inspiring bay views. The home was designed as a tranquil retreat for a single doctor needing an escape from the pressures modern life; every room allows restorative views of soaring hawks, massive Coastal Live Oaks and ephemeral California Poppies, reminding us of how fleeting our lives really are. The timber frame interior (a late client request) is carefully integrated into a warm contemporary interior and offers a pleasing and solid contrast to the open glazed panels. A long covered walkway carefully frames the view and integrates the three-car garage, while bold colors emphasize the simple building forms. Photo by Virginia Baltay