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Project posted by John Lum

Courtyard Residence

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I reduced material palette of Western red cedar, blackened steel, concrete, and glass, marry form and function.
I reduced material palette of Western red cedar, blackened steel, concrete, and glass, marry form and function.
Four distinct wood-clad pavilions, connected by glazed walkways, surrounds a central courtyard.
Four distinct wood-clad pavilions, connected by glazed walkways, surrounds a central courtyard.
The design combines privacy and connection to the landscape that affords year-round outdoor living.
The design combines privacy and connection to the landscape that affords year-round outdoor living.
Windows and sliding glass doors blur the boundaries between indoors and out.
Windows and sliding glass doors blur the boundaries between indoors and out.
A view of the double-height great room.
A view of the double-height great room.
The kitchen overlooks an expansive backyard.
The kitchen overlooks an expansive backyard.
The open kitchen features a generous island for family gathering.
The open kitchen features a generous island for family gathering.
The four-pavilion house, divided into eating, sleeping, living, and working sections, is connected by a series of glass corridors.
The four-pavilion house, divided into eating, sleeping, living, and working sections, is connected by a series of glass corridors.
Organic patterns and durable finishes integrate the project into its natural environment.
Organic patterns and durable finishes integrate the project into its natural environment.
The backyard features outdoor dining, raised swimming pool, fire pit, and lounge seating. Concrete pavers provide continuity between inside and out.
The backyard features outdoor dining, raised swimming pool, fire pit, and lounge seating. Concrete pavers provide continuity between inside and out.

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From John Lum

Nestled among a heritage redwood tree and mature oaks in a quiet suburban neighborhood, this Menlo Park residence was designed around a series of outdoor experiences. Minimalist and modern, the house consists of four distinct wood-clad pavilions connected by glass walkways that surround a central courtyard and open to an expansive backyard complete with raised pool and lounge areas. A covered walkway frames the entrance, leading to a double-height living / dining space. Bookended by outdoor spaces, the pavilion highlights the simple material palette of cedar, blackened steel, glass, and concrete, and is the backdrop for the homeowner’s collected art pieces.

The family of four tapped us to design their new house to be a reflection of their characters, blending his crisp-line, ultra-modern aesthetic with her flair for artisan materials and bold blues. With two teenage daughters, the house is as practical as it is minimal. Enlisting the help of Stephanie Zaharias Design, the owners selected organic patterns and durable finishes that integrate the project into its natural environment. Comfortable furniture evokes livability. Hard surfaces, from glass panels to backsplash tiles, offer long-lasting resilience. A color-block rug adds an element of play and can withstand the wear and tear of everyday. Built-in casework maximizes space. Minimally framed windows and a dynamic facade filter in sunlight and fresh air.

House Features: Solar, radiant heating, whole house fan, natural daylighting strategies including basement lightwells, operable skylights that provide a stack-effect ventilation