Feldman Architecture has reimagined this minimalist house that is tucked away in Los Altos Hills, a town in Santa Clara County, California. This geometrically unique, 5,103 square foot structure is called “Round House”. This original dwelling, built in 1965, was one of a few similarly shaped homes built in California in the 60s.

Soon after moving in, the family of four recognized the inefficiencies of their new home – low roof eaves awkwardly obstructed the otherwise spectacular views. The original structure, referred to as the “doughnut house,” had an open-air courtyard in the center. It “was really interesting and very awkward at the same time,” said Steven Stept, Partner-in-Charge. The public living areas faced the private wooded hillside, while bedrooms opened onto sprawling, exposed views of Silicon Valley.

DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECT Feldman Architecture GENERAL CONTRACTOR Baywest Builders LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT Variegated Green LIGHTING DESIGN Tucci Lighting STRUCTURAL ENGINEER BKG Structural Engineers CIVIL ENGINEER Lea & Braze Engineering, Inc. GEOTECHNICAL CONSULTANT Romig Engineers Inc ARBORIST Urban Tree Management

The project team set out to craft a respectful enrichment of the home’s original form, focusing on a site-sensitive response to the steep, challenging plot.

Perched atop a precipitous site, the structure has 180-degree views with a deck that runs around its perimeter.

The original central courtyard, once open-to-sky, transformed into the kitchen – an appropriate gesture for an aspiring baker and a family of food enthusiasts.

A Japanese style of charred wood siding, called Shou Sugi Ban, seamless concrete floors, crisp curved white walls, and minimalist interiors let the colorful and dramatic views speak first.

Beyond the imaginative design and technically skilled execution, the home, at its core, is a vessel for experiencing the ethereal beauty of the surroundings.

In the kitchen, a large circular skylight floods the space with natural light, creating a makeshift sundial that illuminates different sections of custom curved casework throughout the day.

What We Love: This uniquely shaped home underwent a complete transformation to open and modernize the design. Perched on a hillside, this impressive home takes full advantage of its surroundings and adapts to challenging site conditions to create a singular residence. By incorporating sustainable materials in the design, the house emphasizes its connection to nature and health in its design.

Tell Us: What design features in this minimalist house transformation in California do you find most appealing? Let us know in the Comments below!

Note: Take a look at a couple of other amazing home tours that we have featured here on One Kindesign in the state of California: A magnificent lakeside barn house with sweeping views over Donner Lake and Tour a delightful Northern California mountain home with farmhouse flavor.

Above: The rounded exterior of this house is clad in Black Accoya from Delta Millworks.

An outdoor deck is strategically carved out at the intersection of the living room and kitchen – framing sprawling views of the South Bay.

EXTERIOR FACADE BEFORE THE RENOVATION

PHOTOGRAPHER Adam Rouse