Tah Mah Lah
Set on a gently sloped hillside in Portola Valley, Tah Mah Lah reflects a bold vision for 21st-century California living: where sustainability, craftsmanship, and family legacy converge. Designed as the greenest residence in the world, the home honors the land that has hosted the family’s residence since 1967. Seamlessly integrating built and natural environments, the design expresses quiet elegance, a spirit of innovation, and a commitment to environmental stewardship, all within a warm and livable modern barn aesthetic.
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Location
Portola Valley, California
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Architect
Robert Glazier/HKS
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Landscape Architect
Thomas Klope
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Builder
MGM Construction
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Photographer
Blake Marvin
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Press
Modern Luxury Silicon Valley, Aspire Design & Home, CAPTURE Magazine
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Sustainability
LEED Platinum GreenPoint Rated EPA Energy Star Homes and Indoor AirPlus Sustainable Sites Initiative National Wildlife Federation Certified Wildlife Habitat
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Team Members
Michael Booth, Dina VanderVeen, Lauren McGuier
Natural materials, sustainably selected
Every interior element was chosen with intention. Reclaimed red cedar clads the walls and ceilings, oak salvaged from granaries grounds the floors, and antique limestone warms the hearths. The materials tell a story of reuse and renewal — raw, honest, and unvarnished. Finishes were left untreated wherever possible, allowing natural patina to evolve with time and use. Custom furnishings made from natural fibers, reclaimed metals, and local craft reinforce the home’s ethos of regenerative design.
Together, they form an environment that is beautiful, tactile, and deeply restorative.
Tah Mah Lah was never meant to be just a house. It was a manifesto.
The design team was challenged to create a residence that would serve generations, model sustainable innovation, and preserve the legacy of the land. Net-zero energy and carbon neutral, the home produces enough power for daily use and five electric vehicles. Water systems recycle every drop, and 90% of the original structure’s materials were reclaimed into the new build.
Yet the greater success lies in how the design fosters experience. Universal access and flexible layouts accommodate many life stages, while wildlife is welcomed into cultivated gardens of native species. The site functions as a living classroom for groups including Stanford University.
Inside, the interiors reflect the owners’ global sensibility: antiques and custom pieces layered with wool, silk, hemp, and horsehair. Warm, intuitive lighting underscores every detail, affirming that sustainability and luxury are not at odds, but in harmony.
