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The home's overhangs provide shade. “We wanted to make sure the house was comfortable,” says Ikegami. “You have cross-ventilation, and the interior is filled with light from the clerestory.”

Recently retired and ready to downsize, Paul and Melonie Brophy found a lot in Palo Alto that gave them the chance to start fresh. Their glass, concrete, and wood house, designed by Feldman Architecture, seems to float above a landscape by Bernard Trainor. Of the board-formed concrete wall, architect Taisuke Ikegami says, "It connects the building to the ground plane while allowing the house to be a landscape element."

Hope power-washed the cabin's exterior, giving it an entirely new appearance.

Underneath the house, this haven is perfect for a bit of lakeside solitude.

The view from Longchamp Outdoor Living's ipe pool deck. Clark Richardson Architects designed the multi-use space to be perfect all year long.

Concrete stairs lead from the kitchen to the pool area. A peekaboo perforated screen crafted from black metal allows guests to see the activity unfolding inside.

Cockpit in Wild Plants second floor plan

Ledge House site plan

Found on-site and retained, a boulder juxtaposes with the building’s crisp lines.

At night, carefully orchestrated lighting illuminates the house like a lantern in nature.

In this shower, gentle gray shades and minimal bath fixtures from Kallista add to the home’s contemplative ambience.

Aside from the natural light, the master bedroom is illuminated simply with a graphic Mobile Chandelier No.2 from Michael Anastassiades and a Bellhop table lamp from Flos. These accompany a Cove bed from Design Within Reach, a Harlosh bedside table from Pinch Design, a Colonial armchair from Carl Hansen & Søn, and a rug from Calvin Klein Home.

The expansive glazing allows the occupants to appreciate not just the views, but shifting light and shadow play throughout the day.

The spacious interiors mean there is no chance of claustrophobia—even when the occupants are stranded indoors during bad weather.

Earth tones adorn the living room, which is anchored by a Sisal rug from ABC Carpet. A low-slung Dune sofa from Poliform is an invitation to lounge.