ODS Architecture in collaboration with JCD Builders has designed this impressive modern refuge set in the rolling hills of Saratoga, California. Saratoga’s downtown exudes a charming, quintessential main street ambiance, nestled amidst a network of residential streets. However, venturing a short distance away leads you to secluded canyons and hills, where the bustling townscape feels distant and remote.

The design seamlessly integrates cast-in-place-formed concrete walls and a low-maintenance material palette on the exterior. Located in a remote area, the site necessitates various on-site utilities, including a well with three storage tanks to hold water, which also serves the fire sprinkler system. A new access drive was carved from the hill from the main road above.

The dwelling is meant for infrequent visits by the owner and was designed to be a serene and contemplative oasis, ideal for reading and seeking solitude. A simple rectangular structure, the house extends over the gently sloping hill, offering breathtaking vistas of the picturesque countryside.

Nestled on thirteen acres, this two-story home consists of 3,000 square feet of living space with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. 

Above: The entry catwalk has a cantilevered roof overhang edged in aluminum with steel railing and metallic tile walls.

Above: A catwalk overlooking the canyon connects the driveway to the front door.

What We Love: This modern refuge showcases unforgettable views over the canyons of Saratoga, providing a restful respite for its owner. We are loving the sleek material palette that can be found on both the interior and exterior of this dwelling. Living spaces were devised to be low-maintenance yet aesthetically pleasing with minimal detailing to focus on the views. We can imagine the sunrises and sunsets would be pretty spectacular from the outdoor viewing platforms of this home.

Tell Us: What are your overall thoughts on the design of this home? Would you change any of the details? Let us know in the Comments below!

Note: Be sure to check out a couple of other amazing home tours that we have featured here on One Kindesign in the state of California: Tuscan farmhouse-inspired home in Malibu has breathtaking ocean views and Absolutely stunning off the grid home in California embraces the outdoors.

Above: A catwalk overlooking the Saratoga Canyon connects the driveway to the front door of this modern refuge. The roof mimics the form of the walkway.

Above: The front door is rotated off-axis from the entry catwalk. Two-story tall board-formed concrete walls are emphasized with windows extending across both floors. Exterior lights and fire sprinklers are built into the eaves.

Above: Dark stained floors complement the black steel that frames the custom wood veneer cabinetry. Stairs leading from the garage step down to the main living area.

Above: Banquette seat dining area with kitchen adjacent, large windows framing views of the canyon beyond.

Above: The kitchen seamlessly blends with a built-in dining bench, accompanied by a sleek steel backsplash. Adjacent to it, a double-height stairwell features a striking board-formed concrete wall.

Above: A black steel backsplash extends from the kitchen counter to the ceiling. The kitchen island is faced with the same steel and topped with a white Caeserstone.

Above: This open-layout kitchen is highly functional and simple to clean. It features a cold-rolled steel back wall with steel open shelving, a Wolf cooktop, a Subzero refrigerator, and Miele built-in coffee maker and dishwasher, quartz island top with a cold-rolled steel base.

Above: This L-shaped kitchen is designed for easy care and minimal fuss. Custom oak cabinets have finger pulls for a sleek aesthetic.

Above: Floating steel shelves free up counter space while emphasizing the feature wall. The kitchen counter is topped with a white Caeserstone and a stained oak base.

Above: Looking from the kitchen to the living room, floor-to-ceiling windows connect the house to the surrounding landscape.

Above: Open living room with poured-in-place concrete wall, floor-to-ceiling windows framing views of the canyon, and stained oak cabinets with steel trim and shelves.

Above: Floor-to-ceiling windows and textured materials connect the interior and exterior of this modern refuge.

Above: This minimalist living room features floor-to-ceiling Fleetwood windows that bring in views from all directions.

Above: The living room is open to the kitchen with expansive windows. The roof overhang has radiant heaters for outdoor dining on the large cantilevered deck.

Above: In the bedroom, a window seat creates a cozy spot to enjoy the view. Clerestory windows enhance natural light.

Above: One of two bedrooms upstairs features built-in seating and oak storage cabinets with Fleetwood windows including a clerestory above. The wall is board-formed concrete.

Above: The built-in dining bench frames the stairwell leading to the lower floor. The stairwell is lined with board-formed concrete walls with large windows that bring in maximum light and views.

Above: A banquette seat dining area is accompanied by wrap-around stairs that descend to the owner’s bedroom. The storage and display cabinets are crafted using a combination of wood and cold-rolled steel, adding function and aesthetics to the space.

Above: On the lower floor, the stairs open up to a wide landing that steps further down to the owner’s bedroom. Large windows and a swing door to the side yard bring in an abundance of natural light.

Above: Leading down to the lower level owner’s bedroom suite of this modern refuge, this open staircase features large Fleetwood aluminum windows that frame views of the Saratoga Canyon.

Above: The open stair has simple wood treads and risers against a poured-in-place board-formed concrete wall.

Above: The lower-level owner’s bedroom suite boasts expansive floor-to-ceiling Fleetwood aluminum windows, perfectly framing breathtaking views of the canyon beyond.

Above: A Christopher Boots Bucky Suspension pendant light is suspended over the bed.

Above: Stone envelops the bathroom shower, creating a spa-like feel. A heated bench offers a spacious seating area that not only ensures comfort but also provides an incredible view for an enhanced bathing experience. A flush concealed floor drain is under the bench.

Above: The closet is fitted with an assortment of open and closed custom cabinets.

Above: The laundry room countertop is quartz, complimented by oak cabinets with finger pulls, and a cold-rolled steel back wall with an open shelf.

PHOTOGRAPHER Paul Dyer, Philip Liang