Overlook Guest House
Los Gatos, California
Photo © Matthew Millman
Photo © Matthew Millman
Photo © Matthew Millman
Photo © Matthew Millman
Photo © Matthew Millman
Photo © Matthew Millman
Image courtesy Schwartz and Architecture
Architects & Firms
Site size: 5 acres
Project size: 775 square feet
Program: Despite its location on an extremely steep and densely wooded site, the house provides an accessible second dwelling near the client’s primary residence for an aging family.
Location: Los Gatos, California
Solution: To maintain ease of access, the house incorporates the driveway and garage into a formalized entry sequence, transitioning fluidly to the front door, which is located beneath a cantilevered breezeway that frames views across Silicon Valley. Given the site’s dramatic slope, this entry terrace serves as the only viable outdoor open space for the home.
Additional Information
Completion date: 2015
Gross square footage: 775 square feet
Total project cost: withheld
Total construction cost: withheld
Client: withheld
CreditsArchitect: Schwartz and Architecture
Personnel in architect's firm who should receive special credit: Wyatt Arnold (registered architect), Paul Burgin, Aaron Goldman, Neil O’Shea, Joshua Yoches
Architect of record: Neal Schwartz
Engineers: Structural Engineer: iAssociates
MD Construction
Photographer: Matthew Millman
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SpecificationsStructural System wood Exterior Cladding Other cladding unique to this project: Prefinished standing seam roofing on roof and side Roofing Metal: Prefinished standing seam roofing Windows Metal frame: Fleetwood Interior Finishes Cabinetwork and custom woodwork: Paints and stains: Benjamin Moore Floor and wall tile: Oceanside glass tile - wall tile Raised flooring: Cork flooring from APC cork Special interior finishes unique to this project: Cork flooring from APC cork Furnishings Chairs: owner-provided Tables: owner-provided Upholstery: owner-provided Other furniture: owner-provided Conveyance Accessibility provisions: Without steps or grade changes, a seamless transition between interior and exterior is amplified by an overhead plane that suits the needs of elderly or disabled occupants. In effect, the usable floor area of the home is increased without any additional building resources or actively conditioned space. Energy Other unique products that contribute to sustainability: The structure of the house is split directly in half, providing a large ventilation passage serving both wings. The wind-tunnel condition acts as a catalyst to move air laterally through the interior spaces. A prominent roof oculus allows for a dynamic interior / exterior space directly adjacent to indoor living space and promotes airflow through the often harsh micro-climate of the site. |
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