Interlocking volumes clad in zinc, cedar, stucco and glass form this family dwelling in northern California by US studio Aidlin Darling Design.Encompassing 545 square metres square metres, the Tree House is situated on a slender property in a dense, suburban neighbourhood in Silicon Valley's Palo Alto. 

L-shaped in plan, the two-storey residence stretches in a linear fashion from the front to the back of the property. Mature redwood trees and evergreen oaks surround the home – and played an instrumental role in the design.The existing trees inform a spatial arrangement of framed views, outdoor rooms and screening for privacy.The home rests atop a concrete plinth – a response to the site's high water table. Exterior walls are clad in grey zinc, red cedar and ivory stucco, along with large stretches of glass.

The front elevation consists of a tall volume fronted by a low-lying garage. A pathway leads to the home's entrance, which is set back far from the street.In the rear, the team carved away a portion of the lower level to form a generous shaded terrace that merges with a swimming pool and yard. Up above, a glass-walled balcony cantilevers over the patio.

The ground level is divided into two distinct zones, separated by a corridor that runs through the centre of the plan. An office, gym and den are arrayed on one side.The other side encompasses a kitchen and open-plan dining area and living room. Retractable glass walls enable the great room to seamlessly flow onto the rear terrace.Three bedrooms and a master suite are located upstairs. Large windows provide an intimate connection to the surrounding tree canopies.

The front of the dwelling features a double-height entryway and wooden staircase lined with glazed banisters. A large Lindsey Adelman chandelier hangs in the foyer, adding a touch of exuberance to the subdued dwelling, which is dominated by neutral colours and streamlined decor.Interior finishes are meant to strengthen the connection to the outdoors.Concrete floors, wood ceilings and reflections from glass participate in a virtual fusion between the homes interior and its landscape.