This new 4,500 square foot house is a contemporary, stacked block, sculptural form designed to respond to conditions on this isolated and dramatic site. The house balances a low profile with the need to take advantage of the beautiful valley and mountain views. By placing half of the building mass partially underground, and turning the other half perpendicular to the slope, the cantilevered, high-value space partially shades the lower floor and deck while providing a view across the valley below.

The Living/Dining space was conceived as a void between solid elements and directs cross views through to Mount Tamalpais. The space is enclosed by full-height multi-section sliding doors for a unique indoor-outdoor experience.

The resulting mass combined with smaller scale reveals and shading devices creates an articulated form that produces an active pattern of shadow, further reducing the visual impact of the house. At night the windows and central core will produce a pattern of irregular solids and voids generating a lively background through the screening trees.