A luxury villa in Portola Valley, California, designed by LOCAL architecture and interior design studio SB Architects. The 10,000-square-metre property aims to create an idyllic holiday experience by taking advantage of rolling mountain views overlooking the valley from several directions. The clients focus on health in their daily lives, so the design of their house maximizes this, especially by creating a relaxing space for meditation. When people enter the mansion, they cross a small bridge and pass through an entrance with a water feature. The arrival of this serene courtyard means a peaceful transition into the space and creates a sense of discovery.

In collaboration with landscape architect Thuilot Associates and builder Ryan Associates, SB Architects created a mini compound of separate buildings, connected by lush landscaping, that reacted to the client’s needs, whilst also creating spaces that capitalized on different times of the day. The master suite is its own small structure, connected by a glass bridge to the center of the home: its living, dining, and kitchen. There’s a separate two-story structure with a small office, a guest apartment upstairs, and a garage with an art studio located on top. 

The home is designed to encourage outdoor circulation. The living room, kitchen, and dining area are all set to capture the dramatic 270-degree views the location offers. To emphasize the barrier-breaking between indoor and outdoor spaces, the glass walls, that look out on public areas, essentially disappear to combine with an expansive outdoor deck and pool area.

 It was important that there was a minimal amount of casing used throughout the detailing, the attention to detail is apparent in the execution and alignment of the floors, walls, ceiling, and millwork. A simple material palette of wood, stone, and raw steel carries throughout the house, with cedar ceilings adding warmth and texture to both interior settings and the cantilevered outdoor areas. Walls and trim are clad in Brazilian ipe hardwood, and naturally stained millwork continues throughout the house.