Wildlife House, Portola Valley House, CA Residential Real Estate, Residence Photos
Wildlife House in Portola Valley, CA
Mar 25, 2020
Wildlife House
Architects: Feldman Architecture
Location: Portola Valley, San Mateo County, California, USA

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

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.
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 ...