This gently sloped 1.75 acre lot in Atherton provided a rare opportunity to create a contemporary courtyard house that also has commanding views of the surrounding hills. Care was taken to preserve the numerous oak trees on the property.

Upon entering the house, a gallery runs east to west, linking a living and dining area with a large family room and kitchen that has collapsing 40 foot wide collapsing doors on both sides. From the family room one can take in both the view and the courtyard.

A guest house with spa is an auxiliary structure bordering the courtyard. The pleasantly varied massing and simple wood siding gives this house the look and feel of a structure that has evolved over time, while remaining contemporary and fresh. Board formed concrete lower walls and a metal standing seam roof add to the natural feel of the exterior.