The estate gracing the cover of our Unique Homes Spring 2017 issue offers over 5,000 square feet of distinctive design in a premier California location.
Light, balance and harmony might best describe the home featured on our cover, but precision craftsmanship, rigorous engineering and thoughtful design are equally applicable, as is being an AIA award-winner designed by one of California’s most notable architects, John Thodos.
Inspired by the 1930s Maison de Verre in Paris, our cover star is a house of glass with entire walls and ceilings made of structural glass. One design objective was to have natural light bathing principal rooms on all four sides. The entry and facade are composed of glass bricks, while a glass ceiling infuses a long gallery leading from the entry with light. Tasmanian oak flooring and custom cabinetry in exotic African Afromosia wood bring warmth to the interior.
The essence of excellent design is also the ability to incorporate features to facilitate accessibility without compromising aesthetics, which means this home is beautiful, but also delivers the highest degree of functionality. Additionally, the steel and concrete structure was engineered with major attention to earthquake resistivity as well as energy efficiency. Photovoltaics and solar panels deliver power and hot water.
All the requisite amenities, including a recreation/media room, wine cellar and a custom office for two, are in place, as are thoughtful features such as lighting designed to display artwork.
Indoor/outdoor living is integral to design today, and this home takes the concept to the next level, literally bringing the two together. The setting, surrounded by redwoods, is especially serene. And, unlike most buildings, this home doesn’t intrude, instead it syncs with the harmony of the setting.
“Such a wonderful execution of the modernist aesthetic combined with a prime setting makes this home matchless,” shares Lyn Jason Cobb with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Menlo Park, California, who is listing the home for $6.8 million.
