Los Altos Craftsman II

This grand craftsman is a new, three level residence with three-car garage on a gently upsloping corner site in unincorporated Los Altos. Studio S Squared provided architecture and full interior design services for this project (furniture and decor by others).

Homes sitting on a corner lot can be a challenge to design, with multiple sides of the building visible from the street versus just one side, as is the case with an interior lot. Set about 10′ above street level, this house has a commanding presence. The front entry walk features a series of separated steps, on direct axis with a near-symmetrical front elevation which required careful layout of formal spaces on the ground floor with bedrooms above. The home opens up on the rear to a courtyard, which features a covered patio area for hosting, and an open patio/grass area for other outdoor activities.

The exterior palette features durable and attractive cement fiber shingle siding, natural stone accents, and both natural and painted wooden trim elements. The house also presents an extensive set of windows, drawing in an abundance of natural light and allowing outward views to the wooded site. Most of these windows are double hung, with top sash simulated divided lights in keeping with the traditional style.

The interior design, also by our firm, mixes both formal and rustic elements together per the client’s request. Elegant millwork complements more textural elements, such as stain-grade headers and a rough stone fireplace. On the basement level, a large home-gym, guest suite, and walk-in custom wine room abut a large game room which faces a lushly planted below grade patio.

Building and landscape construction was by Tyler Hummel of Hummel Custom Construction Inc., a 20 year partner of our firm. Landscape design by Taniguchi Landscape Architecture.