Portola Valley, California, USA
Designed to frame the landscape, this private residence by Ehrlich Yanai Rhee Chaney Architects is a primarily single-floor structure that mimics a floating plane from which to observe 180-degree views of Portola Valley’s rolling hills, grassy meadows, and sprawling vineyards.
Through the careful integration of architectural design with the environment, the residence offers a tranquil retreat that emphasizes connection to the outdoors, making the most of the serene and picturesque landscape it inhabits.
The project has been awarded a 2023 American Architecture Award from The Chicago Athenaeum and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies.
Situated in accord with its varied landscape, the living and bedroom areas might just as aptly be differentiated as the valley’s and forest’s wings.
With floor-to-ceiling glass throughout the house, each room affords a distinct and intentional view.
The architect designed around existing trees and sited each room with their unique perspectives in mind.
The boomerang-shaped floor plan is divided into two sectors arranged around a courtyard that overlooks the valley.
The great room houses the main living spaces and extends from indoors to outdoors onto the main courtyard that cascades down the hill in a series of subtle seating steps planted with emado grasses.
It is flanked by a private wing that houses the primary suite, two additional bedrooms and a playroom.
The bedroom wing turns toward a densely wooded creek area.
An outdoor shower in the primary bedroom suite envelops occupants in a treehouse-like atmosphere as a result of its angled positioning away from the courtyard, which shields all bedrooms from sight.
Below the main volume of the great room, a media room, office, and wine cellar are ensconced in the hillside.
A freestanding garage and ADU are located off the motor court at entry, designed to allow for multi-generational living when the clients’ parents come for prolonged visits.
The material palette is natural and warm, taking its cues from the surrounding landscape. Polished concrete floors are paired with warm wood siding and clean steel plate fascia throughout the home.
The home’s highly insulated, radiant-heated concrete slab can hold the interior at a moderate temperature year-round without supplemental systems. The sinuous, sweeping roof with its deep overhangs consists of high-density foam insulation and reflective color to eliminate heat gain.
The Westridge residence currently generates all energy needs through photovoltaic panels and solar-heated domestic water.
As of submission, the 100% reduction in EUI has overperformed its already ambitious predicted reduction of 81% over EUI benchmarks.
Post-occupancy utility data has confirmed that the project is on track towards Net Zero energy consumption within 2023.
Project: Westridge
Architects: Ehrlich Yanai Rhee Chaney Architects
General Contractor: Bregante + Company LLP.
Client: Private
Photographers: Matthew Millman Photography
