Saratoga Residence

Emerald Hills (San Mateo County), California

This secluded retreat-residence overlooking the Saratoga Canyon was carefully designed to meet the challenges of a sloping terrain with difficult access and limited utilities. The domestic water is sourced from a from a local well, and the sewer is treated on site via a percolation system. Water storage tanks were installed uphill for the fire suppression system and large LPG tanks meet the natural gas needs of the house.

The exterior finishings were selected for a contemporary look as well as for low maintenance: the lightness of the steel framing meets the strength of exposed concrete walls; floor-to-ceiling windows and doors invite natural light into the house and allow stunning views of the untouched surrounding landscape.

This Project was designed and developed in collaboration with Philip Liang, Design Director and Sean Kakigi, Project Architect at ODS Architecture in Emeryville, California.

Photo credit: Paul Dyer, Philip Liang; courtesy of ODS Architecture.