Private Residential

Atherton Residence

A young entrepreneurial couple with two children approached the design team with a vision: a dramatic transformation of a traditional English-style house and gardens into a contemporary and elegant compound that embraces natural light while seamlessly connecting the interior to the outdoor landscaping.

Location
Atherton, California
Architect
Feldman Architecture
Landscape Architect
Ground Studio Landscape Architecture
Builder
Plath & CO General Contractors
Photographer
Matthew Millman
Lighting Consultant
Anna Kondolf Lighting Design
Press
Elle Decor, California Homes, Home Journal
Team Members
Michael Booth, Lauren McGuier

“Our interiors tend to be subtle/humble, and this project pushed our team a little stylistically. As an office we tend to be more curious than certain, and BAMO’s conviction in their process and decision making gave us the trust to be pushed outside of our norm.” Christopher Kurrle, CPHD, LEED GA Owner & Partner, Feldman Architecture

Sculpted Inspiration

A new, light-filled entry and expanded stairs are the heart of the house and one of the primary sources of daylight. The graceful curves of the staircase create a sensation of floating and eliminate the need for landings between levels. The three-story shape of the stair hall is mirrored by an elliptical skylight supporting a multi-tiered, custom chandelier and mimicking the cascading movement of the daylight above.

The new design completely reimagined the original structure by opening rooms to each other and the adjoining landscape. Interior proportions were refined, and design details simplified, all while responding to the ample light and air of newly created and enlarged doorways and windows.

With an eye toward refined elegance, exterior ornamentation and detailing were scaled back, and awkward exterior and interior geometries were resolved. The interior color palette is fresh and contemporary, reinforced by crisp off-white, natural finishes, and layers of subtle textures that interplay and engage with reflected light.

“The property enjoys a private, parklike setting and what I consider the best weather in the world—perfect for a indoor-outdoor California lifestyle. Our goal was to reconnect the house to its setting — revealing features like the giant heritage oak, the front garden, and a formal rose garden that were previously hidden from view.” Michael Booth Principal, BAMO

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