Mountain View Modern Farmhouse

Having purchased a piece of land in an established neighborhood in Mountain View, our clients Robin and Horace came to us requesting either a “contemporary” or a “Craftsman” house, unsure which style would be right for them.

Although we quickly arrived at a site and space plan that they agreed upon, even after studying dozens of modern schemes for the exterior of the house, we were unable to reconcile Horace’s preference for traditional forms and Robin’s taste for clean lines, crisp detailing, and site-specific fenestration.

The breakthrough moment came when we suggested a style that combined both Robin and Horace’s preferences, the modern farmhouse.

Horizontal lap siding, standing seam metal roofing, natural wood accents, and modern details combine with a traditional front porch and gable-ended roof line to create a design that both husband and wife could love.

An organized front elevation gives way to side and rear elevations that respond to privacy concerns, solar access, and view opportunities on this relatively small site. The extensive use of covered and uncovered outdoor areas, coupled with carefully located large expanses of glass help this relatively small house “live large” and fully utilize the valuable land on which it sits.