Square Three Architecture has designed this midcentury home in Portola Valley, California, boasting 180-degree views from its hillside perch. One of the primary goals of this home was to frame these magnificent views from both the interior living spaces and the private yard spaces, all while providing a sense of privacy from nearby homes.

The main living space was oriented toward the west/northwest view corridor to Windy Hill, while the owner’s bedroom suite was oriented toward the eastern view to Foothills Park—this would provide breathtaking views from sunrise to sunset. The raw natural setting of the site inspired the modern organic material palette, featuring elements of natural wood, exposed board-form concrete, and steel.

DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECT Square Three Architecture GENERAL CONTRACTOR Godby Construction LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT Thuilot Associates

The design is anchored by a strong east-west axis and interior circulation corridor. The massing of the home is purposely staggered and articulated off of the axis to allow for the integration of outdoor spaces with the interior spaces, as well as with the natural topography. As spectacular and unique as this site is in terms of its multiple view corridors, it presented many challenges during the design process.

The house’s exterior material palette can be described as both organic and modern, fitting for the raw natural setting of the site. There are several earth-toned horizontal board-form concrete walls parallel with the dominant east-west axis. The most significant of these is the architectural wall bordering the western terrace, through which guests enter.

Not only does this feature wall provide a strong identity to the guest entry, but also offers privacy from the neighboring house to the west.

The roof forms are a combination of very shallow curves, flat roofs, and living roofs making the roofing largely invisible from the surrounding areas. The prominent curvilinear profile in the roofline emulates the undulation of the surrounding hills.

What We Love: This spectacular midcentury modern home is set into the hillside, boasting sweeping views of its picturesque surroundings. The green roof helps this home to blend in with its idyllic surroundings, while the clever design frames 180-degree views from sunrise to sunset. This home also boasts a fabulous indoor-outdoor connection, thanks to large walls of glazing and expansive outdoor living spaces.

Tell Us: What is your favorite feature in the design of this home? Let us know in the Comments below!

Note: Have a look at a couple of other incredible home tours that we have showcased here on One Kindesign in the state of California: A ranch house surrounded by a breathtaking oak grove in Portola Valley and Fabulous entertainment barn in Portola Valley melds into the landscape.

The interior of the home consists of a simple palette of materials. There is extensive use of natural wood, exposed board-form concrete walls, exposed structural steel with an acid patina finish, and large format porcelain tile flooring throughout the interior and continuing seamlessly to the exterior terraces.

This see-through gas fireplace from Ortal is a perfect solution to enjoy the warmth and ambiance of a fireplace without compromising the stunning view. The functionality of the fireplace is completely stealthy thanks to the unique power vent system and discreet linear air-intake vent hiding below the steel plate mantel.

With extensive glass walls, including several large sliding doors, the line is blurred between the inside and outside.

Photos: Courtesy of Square Three Architecture