The Sinbad Creek Residence is a modern dream home designed by Swatt | Miers Architects for a retired couple located on a beautiful 5.3 acre east-facing hillside in the rural town of Sunol, Alameda County, California. The clients requested a home that was modern, livable and warm, where the indoors and outdoors melded. Something utterly serene, where views of the landscape came first. With unique wall-to-wall views in every direction of Mission Peak, a hillside of mature oaks and a canyon ridge, this two bedroom, 4,000 square foot home has been designed so that every major space has its own special focus.

The front door opens to a dramatic two-story window in the dining area and a more intimate living room beyond.

Organized on alternating sides of a linear north-south circulation spine, each space is placed diagonally across the spine from its neighbor space. With varying ceiling heights that range from a low, compressed entry to a dramatic two-story dining room with bridge above, the result is a composition of dynamic interlocking interior spaces, where each space derives its special character from its unique scale, its relationship to adjacent spaces, and its relationship to the surrounding natural landscape.

Designer Jorie Clark selected furnishings in a neutral color palette of graphite, sand and white with occasional red accents – pieces that were less ubiquitous than “iconic” designs and would most importantly not compete with the setting. For example, the minimalist Judd dining table in glass, stainless steel and olive ash allows you to see right through to the canyon. This sensibility extended even to the art, where if there was a view that was the central focus, the art should not call much attention to itself.

Morning sun floods the kitchen, where there’s ample prep space and room for people to gather. The house is “future proofed” – two closets are framed out with power so they can install a lift when needed.

The home’s strong horizontal lines are a counterpoint to the rolling hills, the integrated stucco and stained cedar blending with the gray-green of the olive trees.

Photos: Russell Abraham