Portola Valley Barn

A rustic-style dwelling that houses bright, contemporary spaces.

Built in Portola Valley, California, this charming house expands the living spaces of an existing dwelling. The clients hired San Francisco-based firm Walker Warner Architects to design a new structure alongside the main house. Portola Valley Barn blends into its setting with an exterior that heavily references vernacular architecture. The architects even used weathered wood and reclaimed materials to give the new building a local flavor. Gabled roofs with metal sheets complete the design.

The new compound contains three volumes that offer access to both relaxation and socializing spaces. Interstitial entryways which house a kitchen and powder room link the three structures: a home office, home theater, and a guest suite. While the rustic exterior make the house resemble a rural barn, the dynamic interior welcomes visitors in a bright, crisp, and distinctly contemporary space. Selby House Ltd. completed the interior design, bringing together white walls, dramatic lighting, polished surfaces, and elegant furniture. Apart from flooding the interior with natural light, the large windows also provide great views of the picturesque surroundings and to the outdoor spaces, designed in a collaboration with Denler Hobart Gardens. Outdoor seating offers the opportunity to relax while admiring the gorgeous setting. Photographs© Matthew Millman.