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Originally designed by Aaron Green, the protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright, Green House has been beautifully updated and expanded for a young family.
Located in a lush area of Palo Alto, California, Green House is a gem that was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright’s protégé, Aaron Green, and built by the famous modernist architecture real estate developer Eichler Homes in 1966. The new owners, a young family, turned to San Francisco-based architecture practice Schwartz and Architecture (S^A) to complete the challenging task of updating the California Modern house for their growing family. The architects focused on preserving the original design as much as possible while also extending the property to create new living spaces.
Built with concrete walls, the cinderblock house featured a sculptural roof with angular forms as well as expansive glazing that connected the interiors to the surrounding greenery. The team carefully preserved the garden-facing glass wall that immerses the residents in the natural landscape. Extended with an upward sloping angle, the roof now allows more natural light to enter the home. The new ceiling section also features hidden lighting fixtures that follow the rhythm of the original beams.
At the rear, a new volume expands the living spaces further. At the front, the raised roof creates a new carport. Originally designed with a low ceiling, the old carport didn’t suit modern family cars. The studio converted it into a sunken lounge space that perfectly captures the heart of mid-century modern design. Set behind a board-formed concrete wall, the new volume features generous glazing, including clerestory windows. Apart from this bedroom suite, the architects also designed an ADU and an office space, tucking the new volumes into less visible areas of the property.
The interiors feature both original and new furniture. As for the material palette, it includes concrete, terrazzo and marble as well as different types of wood and tactile textiles. Respectfully modernized, Green House has not lost its character; the new additions both celebrate and enhance its mid-century modern charm. Photography© Ayla Christman.
