Project: Westridge House
Project team: Richard Beard of Richard Beard Architects (designed by Richard Beard when he was a Principal at BAR Architects)
Landscape Architect: Arterra Landscape Architects
Lighting Design: Vita Pehar
Contractor: Alftin Construction
Location: Portola Valley, California
Photography by Paul Dyer
Text and photos: courtesy of Richard Beard Architects
Attuned to the rhythms of nature—notably the fog that spills nightly over Windy Hill along the Coast Range—this elegant yet understated house is the result of site-specific design for a growing, young family. The gently sloped property unfolds in layers, from the access road through to the house and beyond. The Westridge House is both intimate and expansive, making the most of its setting, sitting quietly on the land, incorporating the ever-changing views into daily life. Backed by the dramatic landscapes of California’s scenic Portola Valley, the Westridge house embraces its natural setting with an elevated take on the rural vernacular.
The 7,000-square-foot dwelling is comprised of a series of gabled forms, an exterior palette of cedar shingles and stone references the rugged surrounds while oak, fir, and cedar wrap the interiors in rustic warmth. Thoughtfully placed windows and glazing keep the living spaces connected to the outdoors but for more expansive views, a covered terrace provides sweeping vistas across the oak trees and to the neighboring Windy Hill in the distance.
