Top 5 Homes of the Week That Celebrate California Living
Featured homes were submitted by members of the Dwell community through our Add a Home feature. Add your home to Dwell.com/homes today.
1. 51 Nebraska
A view into the airy, light-filled kitchen of 51 Nebraska by Todd Davis Architecture. The updated midcentury home pays homage to its roots.
Architect: Todd Davis Architecture, Location: San Francisco, California
From the architect: "[This is a] remodel of a 1960s contractor special for a couple with backgrounds in graphic/marketing and tech that are flea market savvy."
2. Oakland Hills I
Oakland Hills I was designed by architect Andrew Morrall and his partner as a place to live and work in. High ceilings, skylights, and a plentitude of windows connect the home to the surrounding forest.
Architect: Andrew Morrall, Location: Oakland, California
From the architect: "Comprised of 1,520 square feet of living space on three levels, the emphasis was to create expansiveness despite the relatively small size. Open floor plans on all three levels and small, strategic, balconied spaces overlooking and flowing into each level create a spacious feel."
3. Orchard House
Orchard House is a modern interpretation of the Californian farmhouse. Cary Bernstein Architect thoughtfully integrated architectural and landscape elements that mirror the neutral palette of the surrounding countryside.
Architect: Cary Bernstein Architect, Location: Sonoma, California
From the architect: "Orchard House is a modern, sustainable interpretation of vernacular agricultural design. The owners wanted the house to have a more vernacular appearance, in keeping with the nearby farms and stables, and also to communicate its own time. The emotional connection to the land is communicated through architecture that speaks to place. The original multi-gabled roof was streamlined into two ridges, one belonging to the former garage to the north and the other elongated over the living spaces towards the south. Materials and details, such as board-and-batten siding, have traditional origins but also read as modern textures."
4. Noe Valley House
"The subtly angled facade design was created by adapting to different setbacks of the neighboring houses, and as a response to the downhill views to the east," says IwamotoScott Architecture. The facade of the Noe Valley House simultaneously stands out and blends in with its neighbors.
Architect: IwamotoScott Architecture, Location: San Francisco, California
From the architect: "IwamotoScott designed this new ground-up house in the Noe Valley neighborhood, as a speculative infill development for a builder in San Francisco whom we've worked together with on several projects. The site is located on a steep street, but has a fairly level topography within the lot, newly opened up by the demolition of a dilapidated small house at the rear of the property. The house is organized around both a light well and stairwell at its center."
5. Los Altos New Residence
This newly built residence by Klopf Architecture was inspired by midcentury modern houses—in particular, Eichlers. The home's indoor/outdoor nature is accentuated by wood siding and lush landscape design.
Architect: Klopf Architecture, Location: Los Altos, California
From the architect: "Klopf Architecture and Outer space Landscape Architects designed a new warm, modern, open, indoor/outdoor home in Los Altos, California. Inspired by midcentury modern homes but looking for something completely new and custom, the owners, a couple with two children, bought an older ranch-style home with the intention of replacing it."
Related Reading: Before & After: A Luminous Remodel Breathes New Life Into a Palo Alto Eichler, A Midcentury Cabin at California’s Sea Ranch Gets a Glowing Makeover
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