Portola Valley By DESIGNPAD | Patrick Perez Architect Inc.

Houses

A shot from the exterior highlighting the spacious backyard of the Portola Valley residence.

Type: Renovation & Addition
Location: San Francisco, CA
Architect: DESIGNPAD | Patrick Perez Architect Inc.

A picture of the front exterior of the house showcasing the designated parking area.
A picture of the front exterior of the house showcasing the designated parking area.
A photograph of the pathway in the backyard leading to the outdoor living space.
A photograph of the pathway in the backyard leading to the outdoor living space.
A picture emphasizing the significant glass pocket door that facilitates seamless transition between the interior and exterior of the house.
A picture emphasizing the significant glass pocket door that facilitates seamless transition between the interior and exterior of the house.
A view of the front entrance door displaying the entryway of the house.
A view of the front entrance door displaying the entryway of the house.
An outside shot showcasing the dining, living, and kitchen area of the house through a large open glass door.
An outside shot showcasing the dining, living, and kitchen area of the house through a large open glass door.
An internal view of the living room displaying its lounge set and other furnishings.
An internal view of the living room displaying its lounge set and other furnishings.
A photograph showcasing the interconnectedness of these three key areas in the house: the living, dining, and kitchen areas.
A photograph showcasing the interconnectedness of these three key areas in the house: the living, dining, and kitchen areas.
An image showcasing the seamless connection between the indoor and outdoor dining spaces.
An image showcasing the seamless connection between the indoor and outdoor dining spaces.
An interior view of the bathroom with a dual sink setup.
An interior view of the bathroom with a dual sink setup.
An internal shot of the bathroom emphasizing the shower and bathtub areas.
An internal shot of the bathroom emphasizing the shower and bathtub areas.

The original structure was a modest ranch style home built in the 1950s. Its interior had been modified and renovated once before, but the spaces were small and dark. The client purchased the home with the intention of modernizing the layout and spaces, while also significantly adding to the home to accommodate their young and growing family.

Taking advantage of this Portola Valley home’s spacious backyard for use as an additional room, we redesigned the floor plan to create a constant and relatively seamless connection between the indoor and outdoor living areas. The building walls flanking that space were filled with windows to capture light and views. The main living space incorporates a very large glass pocket door to allow for uninterrupted flow between the inside and out.

Furthermore, to improve upon the natural light and volume of the main space, the roof was reconfigured to create a split-level clerestory. This serves to flood the living spaces with morning light and creates a sense of increased space while also keeping the building footprint relatively small.

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