Schwartz and Architecture

Overlook Guest House

Overlook Guest House
© Matthew Millman Photography

OVERLOOK GUEST HOUSE

S^a | Schwartz And Architecture

STATUS
Built

BUDGET
Undisclosed

PHOTOS
Matthew Millman Photography

SIZE
0 Sqft - 1000 Sqft

YEAR
2015

LOCATION
Los Gatos, Ca, United States

CATEGORY
Residential › Private House

Despite an extremely steep, almost undevelopable, densely wooded site, the Overlook House creates a new accessible indoor/outdoor second dwelling that allows an aging family member to remain close by the main residence and independently at home.

Overlook Guest House
© Matthew Millman Photography
Overlook Guest House
© Matthew Millman Photography

To maintain ease of access, the new diminutive 775 sq ft home incorporates the driveway approach and garage into a formalized entry sequence, transitioning fluidly to a cantilevered breezeway at the front door framing spectacular views across Silicon Valley.

Given the site’s dramatic slope, this entry terrace serves double duty as the only viable outdoor open space for the home.

A large oval oculus cut out of this covered zone marks the entry as well as the path of the sun over the course of the day – a kind of ever-changing sun dial for a resident with limited activities and mobility.

From the pre-existing main house above on this property, this residence is easy to miss; its broad roof creates a simple, new horizon line through the trees without interrupting the valley views.

Overlook Guest House
© Matthew Millman Photography
Overlook Guest House
© Matthew Millman Photography

The plan is simple – on one side a single living space modulated into distinct zones with built-in cabinetry, on the other, en-suite bedrooms connected by a large accessible bath and laundry – perfect for a resident and a caregiver.


Overlook Guest House
© Matthew Millman Photography
Overlook Guest House
© Matthew Millman Photography
Overlook Guest House
© Matthew Millman Photography
Overlook Guest House
© Matthew Millman Photography
Overlook Guest House
© Matthew Millman Photography
Overlook Guest House
© Matthew Millman Photography

Schwartz and Architecture
T +1 415 5500430 F +1 415 5500431
Schwartz and Architecture
860 Rhode Island St, San Francisco, CA 94107, United States