MARLBAROUGH COURT

Located at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, this home was inspired by its property shape: a narrow entry that quickly fans out to meet the neighboring yards. While the lot size was not small, its odd wedge-like shape meant that a structure in the middle of the property would create slivers of residual space on all sides, with no room for a real yard. The owners’ former ranch-style home on the property did just that, and it was clear to them and to us that there was a better way to optimize the land.

By creating three, staggered volumes on the main level, the front façade fits the narrow frontage while respecting the neighborhood architectural fabric. The middle volume acts as both a physical and experiential knuckle, bridging the two rectangular end volumes and acting as the great room between two private wings. 

The tall, meticulously crafted board form concrete wall reveals the surprise of a lower level, where an additional guest suite, an exercise room, and an entertainment room surround a large, bright sunken courtyard. Below the garage is an expansive wood and metal shop, equipped with a car lift between the two floors to transport large materials.

The rear yard, with its pool and surrounding deck, connects seamlessly with public and private indoor spaces, making this home a joyful gathering place for family and friends.

Project Type New Custom Residence | Location Los Altos, California | Project Size 7,600 SF | Completion Date 2022 Services Site Planning, Conceptual Design, Master Planning, Architecture, Construction Administration, Interior Design, Furnishings | OFA team Hiromi Ogawa, Lynn Fisher, Cristian Figueroa, Olena Vodetska, Catherine Nelson | General Contractor MN Builders | Structural Engineer BKG Structural Engineers | Geotechnical Engineer Romig Engineers | Civil Engineer Precision Engineering | Mechanical Engineer Monterey Energy Group | Renderer Goose and The Queen