The Atherton House is a family compound for a professional couple in the tech industry, and their two teenage children. After living in Singapore, then Hong Kong, and building homes there, they looked forward to continuing their search for a new place to start a life and set down roots. The site is located on Atherton Avenue on a flat, 1 acre lot. The neighboring lots are of a similar size, and are filled with mature planting and gardens. The brief on this site was to create a house that would comfortably accommodate the busy lives of each of the family members, as well as provide opportunities for wonder and awe. Views on the site are internal. Our goal was to create an indoor- outdoor home that embraced the benign California climate. The building was conceived as a classic “H” plan with two wings attached by a double height entertaining space. The “H” shape allows for alcoves of the yard to be embraced by the mass of the building, creating different types of exterior space. The two wings of the home provide some sense of enclosure and privacy along the side property lines. The south wing contains three bedroom suites at the second level, as well as laundry. At the first level there is a guest suite facing east, powder room and a Library facing west. The north wing is entirely given over to the Primary suite at the top level, including the main bedroom, dressing and bathroom. The bedroom opens out to a roof terrace to the west, overlooking a pool and courtyard below. At the ground floor, the north wing contains the family room, kitchen and dining room. The family room and dining room each have pocketing sliding glass doors that dissolve the boundary between inside and outside. Connecting the wings is a double high living space meant to be comfortable, delightful and awe-inspiring. A custom fabricated two story circular stair of steel and glass connects the upper level to the main level, and down to the basement “lounge” below. An acrylic and steel bridge begins near one end of the stair landing and flies 40 feet to the children’s bedroom wing. People going about their day moving through the stair and bridge become both observed and observer. The front (EAST) wall is the all important receiving place for guests and family alike. There the interplay between yin and yang, weathering steel and the mature olive tree, empower the entrance. Most other materials are white and pure. The mechanical systems are efficiently combined hydronic heating and cooling, with no forced air required.

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary porcelain tile, black floor and wallpaper powder room remodel in Toronto with white cabinets, black walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, white countertops and a floating vanity

Example of a trendy bathroom design in Phoenix

aia photography
Inspiration for a transitional u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen remodel in Toronto with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, gray backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen idea in Chicago with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, paneled appliances, an island and white countertops

Example of a mid-sized trendy porcelain tile and white floor mudroom design in Toronto with white walls

Example of a minimalist home bar design in Toronto

Bedroom - mid-sized contemporary guest medium tone wood floor and brown floor bedroom idea in Toronto with white walls

Example of a trendy light wood floor and brown floor bedroom design in Toronto with white walls

Transitional beige tile brown floor and double-sink alcove shower photo in Phoenix with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink, a hinged shower door, white countertops and a built-in vanity

1950s living room photo in Other

This modern gray kitchen in North Scottsdale blends sleek design with everyday comfort. Cool gray cabinetry pairs perfectly with clean white quartzite countertops, offering a fresh, sophisticated look. Stainless steel appliances and minimalist hardware add a touch of shine, while a large island with bar seating creates the perfect spot for morning coffee or casual entertaining. Soft under-cabinet lighting and subtle wood accents warm up the space, balancing the modern aesthetic with inviting charm. Wide windows bring in natural light, making the space feel bright and airy. Stylish yet functional, this kitchen is designed for both effortless living and elegant gatherings.

Inspiration for a transitional home bar remodel in Los Angeles

Wine cellar - 1960s wine cellar idea in Other

Wine cellar - modern wine cellar idea in Toronto

Example of a trendy entryway design in Toronto

Inspiration for a contemporary powder room remodel in Toronto

Inspiration for a large contemporary l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Chicago with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, stone slab backsplash and white countertops

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Chicago with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, paneled appliances, an island and white countertops