Feldman Architecture, Inc.

Tierwelthaus House

Tierwelthaus House
© Paul Dyer

Tierwelthaus House

Feldman Architecture

LANDSCAPE
Surface Design Inc.

PHOTOGRAPHS
Paul Dyer

MANUFACTURERS
Autodesk, Alivar, Bocci, Bosch, Flos, Roche Bobois, Tuuci, Woodn, Bartlett Cabinetry,
Cooritalia, Holt Koetter, Stanton Carpet, Trimble

ELECTRICIAN
Ericksen Electric

CIVIL ENGINEER
Lea & Braze Engineering

GEOTECHNICAL CONSULTANT
Murray Engineers

CARPENTER
Burgess Hill Inc & O.R. Builders

BUILDER
Olivewood Inc, John Rodhouse

CABINETRY
Bartlett Cabinetry

DESIGN TEAM
Chris Kurrle, Anjali Iyer, Jess Stuenkel, Katharine Hebden

ENGINEERING
Sheerline Structural Engineering

PLUMBING
Grade A Plumbing Services Inc.

CATEGORY
Houses

LOCATION
Portola Valley, United States

AREA
5012 Ft²

YEAR
2018

Tierwelthaus House
© Paul Dyer
Tierwelthaus House
© Paul Dyer

Text description provided by architect.

The name Tierwelthaus, or ‘Wildlife House’ evolved from the unique relationship between the home and the land.

Tierwelthaus House
© Paul Dyer
Tierwelthaus House
© Paul Dyer

A heavily used deer trail passes into the canyon to the north and a screech owl who had taken up quarters within the structure during construction now frequents the property.

A pair of bobcats regularly patrol the yard, while birds and small creatures alike have built homes in the encompassing terrain.

Tierwelthaus House
© Paul Dyer
Tierwelthaus House
© Paul Dyer

Previously acquired in a bankruptcy settlement, Tierwelthaus underwent a minor remodel and a changing of hands before becoming the current clients’ forever home. The previous owner was interested only in exterior “touch up” and a modest remodel of the top floor.

When the house was transferred into the current client’s possession, there existed a disconnect between the contemporary revisions and original ranch-style design.

Tierwelthaus House
© Paul Dyer
Tierwelthaus House
© Paul Dyer

Partial to the preceding remodel, the clients were interested in finishing what had been started. Hailing from New Zealand and the bay area respectively, the couple was interested in building a modern, livable, low-maintenance house.

The home faces due west, and onto a quiet road that lifts away from the house. Recognizing that its primary visual access comes from above, the redesign included an uplift of the home’s exterior and front façade.

Tierwelthaus House
© Paul Dyer
Tierwelthaus House
© Paul Dyer

The east face of the home sits on a down sloping hill and upon entering the house, one has immediate visual access to the sweeping views beyond. Expansive decks on both levels extend the trajectory outwards placing one directly into nature.

On the exterior, a horizontal composite louvre system was applied to provide privacy and emphasize the linearity of the façade. A minimalist garden pavilion cropping out from the front veneer creates a layered entryway into the home.

To give further clarity to the house’s structure and design, agave plants, cabbage trees, and succulents, inspired by New Zealand landscape were cultivated throughout the site.

Tierwelthaus House
© Paul Dyer
Tierwelthaus House
© Paul Dyer

Clearing droves of poison oak on the hillside allowed for the opening of the understory around native oaks trees.

The addition of the drought-resistant, contemporary landscape immediately adjacent to the home integrates its modern design with the surrounding setting while also allowing the environment to dissipate into its own native form.

Tierwelthaus House
© Paul Dyer
Tierwelthaus House
© Paul Dyer
Tierwelthaus House
© Paul Dyer


Tierwelthaus House
Site plan
Tierwelthaus House
First floor plan
Tierwelthaus House
Second floor plan

Feldman Architecture, Inc.
T +1 415 2521441
Feldman Architecture, Inc.
1648 Pacific Ave suite b, San Francisco, CA 94109, United States