Portola Valley by Malcolm Davis Architecture

ByJon Dykstra Houses

Portola Valley by MDA Architecture

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Architect: Malcolm Davis Architecture
Photography: Joe Fletcher
Builder: MN Builders
Landscape: RS McDannell Exterior & Landscape
Interiors: Lori Yeomans

In order to come up with the very specific design ideas, we create most designs with the assistance of state-of-the-art AI interior design software.

Kitchen with white cabinets, contrasting countertops, and a center island under the vaulted ceiling framed with exposed white beams.
Kitchen with white cabinets, contrasting countertops, and a center island under the vaulted ceiling framed with exposed white beams.
A glazed pocket door reveals the walk-in pantry. It has plenty of storage and additional workspace.
A glazed pocket door reveals the walk-in pantry. It has plenty of storage and additional workspace.
Aerial view of the house showcasing its corrugated roofs surrounded by lush trees.
Aerial view of the house showcasing its corrugated roofs surrounded by lush trees.
This sitting area is cozy and inviting. It has a beamed ceiling, modern chairs, and a light hardwood floor topped by an area rug.
This sitting area is cozy and inviting. It has a beamed ceiling, modern chairs, and a light hardwood floor topped by an area rug.
An open layout view of the kitchen, living room, and dining area.
An open layout view of the kitchen, living room, and dining area.
A glimpse of the study area through the sliding glass windows.
A glimpse of the study area through the sliding glass windows.
Exterior view of the house showcasing its covered patio and an exterior staircase that leads to a balcony bridge.
Exterior view of the house showcasing its covered patio and an exterior staircase that leads to a balcony bridge.
A skylight bathes the walk-in shower with natural light.
A skylight bathes the walk-in shower with natural light.
The primary bathroom features a deep soaking tub and a floating vanity topped with skylights.
The primary bathroom features a deep soaking tub and a floating vanity topped with skylights.
This bathroom offers a nice view of the woodland landscape.
This bathroom offers a nice view of the woodland landscape.
Dining room with a wooden dining set and sliding glass doors enclosed in wooden shutters.
Dining room with a wooden dining set and sliding glass doors enclosed in wooden shutters.
The dining room opens onto a wraparound balcony that offers unobstructed views of the surrounding mountains.
The dining room opens onto a wraparound balcony that offers unobstructed views of the surrounding mountains.
The home's dark siding seamlessly blends into its surrounding.
The home’s dark siding seamlessly blends into its surrounding.

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Designed around an existing oak tree, this home pulls elements from its woodland surroundings allowing it to seamlessly blend into the existing landscape. The exterior is finished with burnt cedar siding and stucco to create an earthy tone, while significant design moves were made to the interior, including the addition of large floor-to-ceiling glass doors and a wrap-around balcony off of the dining room to take full advantage of the landscape and natural light. 

According to the homeowners, “Malcolm’s home’s honor light, flow and airiness. His design for our home also reflects simplicity and timelessness.”

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Jon Dykstra
Jon Dykstra

Jon practiced law before launching his online publishing career, bringing analytical rigor to everything he builds. Home Stratosphere combines that precision with a lifelong obsession with residential design — architecture, interiors, landscape, and furniture.

His current focus is AI-driven design analysis, using artificial intelligence to study patterns in color, layout, and material choice across thousands of homes. His Personality Type Home Design Guide applies personality frameworks to interior aesthetics, helping readers design spaces that reflect how they actually think and live.

His favorite piece on the site is the 25 Most Popular Designs, is a daily-updated ranking of the top designs over the last 30 days, driven entirely by visitor activity. The feedback is invaluable for understanding what resonates most with readers. LinkedIn

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