The house extends out to the pool deck

Los Altos Contemporary House Renovation

This residence in beautiful Los Altos, CA, was renovated by opening up existing living spaces, vaulting the ceiling, reconfiguring windows, and comprehensively updating the entire house. The result is a stunning transformation of a traditional home into a spacious and contemporary space that seamlessly connects to an expansive pool deck.

The living and dining areas of the great room

Vaulted Ceiling Great Room

Existing flat ceilings were replaced with a vaulted design, transforming unused attic space into a lofty great room that now serves as the heart of the home. The great room encompasses both the living and dining areas, with a tall concrete fireplace flanked by floor-to-ceiling windows facing the front of the house, accentuating the space’s increased verticality.

Dining room opens to the outdoors

Open Dining

The dining area, anchored by elegant cabinetry, features multi-track sliding doors that completely opens to the pool deck. Aligned with the kitchen, the dining and cooking areas naturally complement each other, creating a cohesive and functional space that unifies the great room and kitchen.

The dining, kitchen, and living areas flow openly

Kitchen-Great Room Connection

The open kitchen features a central island and large windows overlooking the backyard. Refined walnut cabinetry and marble countertops and backsplash create a highly functional and polished ambiance. Beyond the kitchen, a walk-in pantry and discreet powder room add convenience, with a door leading out to the backyard. 

An island in the kitchen offers functionality and seating
The dining room and kitchen have views of the backyard

Indoor-Outdoor Living

The open and direct connection between the great room and the pool deck provides seamless indoor-outdoor living, creating a vibrant setting perfect for this young, active family and their social gatherings.

A large swimming pool is in the backyard of a house

Harmonious Exterior Transformation

The exterior of the house, both front and back, was redesigned to complement the new great room, introducing a centering element to the facades that enhances the overall architectural design. At the front, a new roof overhang and large pivot door distinguish the entryway, while warm wood siding and stacked stone highlight the newly remodeled areas, complementing the existing structure.

The front of the house designed to showcase the entry and great room
Detailing at the front of the house reflects the new vaulted great room

Comprehensive Integration of Upgrades

A narrow, enclosed stairway was transformed into an open, skylit hall featuring a floating staircase, dramatically improving the transition to the second-story bedrooms and bathroom. All rooms in the home were comprehensively updated with new finishes and fixtures, and the master suite ceiling was also vaulted, adding to the sense of spaciousness and modernity.

Access to the second floor opened up with a new floating stair
The powder room with a round sink and mirror
The master bedroom vaulted ceiling matches the great room
Bathroom updated with new finishes and fixtures

Complementary Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)

Complementing the home is a new detached ADU offset from the pool deck, featuring finishes and details that match the main house. Glass doors from both the living area and bedroom open to a wide deck that overlooks a native plant garden.

New accessory dwelling unit is surrounded by trees and flowers.
The accessory dwelling unit with views of the pool deck

ADU Bedroom Guest Suite

The ADU’s open living area frames views of the outdoor spaces of the main house while preserving privacy between the two buildings. It features a full kitchen with an eating island, along with a bathroom, laundry area, and bedroom, forming an independent residential unit ideal for guests or use as a home office. Additionally, the ADU includes a private entrance that offers direct access to the street through a secluded front yard. 

The front entry of the accessory dwelling unit
A full kitchen in the accessory dwelling unit
The intersection of an outdoor kitchen, pergola, and accessory dwelling unit

Coordinated House, ADU and Exteriors

The relationship of the house and ADU with the exterior spaces creates natural flow from both interiors to the pool deck, covered outdoor seating area, and updated outdoor kitchen. The kitchen features waterfall countertops and sliding doors that conceal a TV, refrigerator and shelves. The property also includes a tennis court, soccer and basketball areas, and a trampoline, providing a variety of recreation options.

An outdoor kitchen with a large island below an existing roof overhang
The house opens up to the pool deck
A wide pivot door and sidelight welcome at the entry
a compass logo

Facts

House 4000 Sf

Two Stories

5 Bedrooms

3 Baths + 1 Powder Rm

Adu 840 Sf

1 Bed + 1 Bath 

Contractor

McMills Construction

Interiors

Kimberly Larzelere

Landscape

Bonnie Brock

Photography

Ed Caldwell

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