House Design: A Contemporary Home in California

Malcolm Davis Architecture has designed a stunning contemporary home in the Los Altos Hills of California, standing on the site of a former farm. The new design masterfully blends clean lines, open spaces, and a thoughtful connection between the interior and exterior.

An Ingenious H-Shaped Layout

The home is organized in an innovative “H” shape. The left wing houses the swimming pool, main living areas, dining space, and primary kitchen. At the center, to the right of the entrance, sits a small courtyard and a family room. The far-right wing contains the private suite, ensuring seclusion for the bedrooms.

This contemporary home brings together clean lines, open spaces, and thoughtful connections between indoors and outdoors.

Integrated and Welcoming Living Spaces

Upon entry, the courtyard and family room become the central axis, elegantly separating the social areas from the sleeping quarters. To the left of the entrance unfolds the main living, dining, and kitchen area. Interior designer Quinn Morgan collaborated with the homeowners to shape interiors that balance modern design with comfort.

The living area features a double-sided fireplace, warming both the interior room and the exterior terrace. A sculptural pendant light hangs over a long wooden dining table that anchors the space. Large sliding glass doors open onto the pool deck, perfectly blending indoor and outdoor living.

In the kitchen, a walnut-based island with a stainless-steel countertop facilitates cooking. Along the wall, light blue cabinets add a touch of color, while open shelving displays favorite kitchenware. A small adjacent breakfast nook embraces a mid-century modern aesthetic. Polished concrete flooring runs throughout these shared spaces, unifying the interior.

The living area features a double-sided fireplace, warming both the living room and the outdoor lounge. A sculptural pendant light hangs over a long wood dining table that anchors the space. Large sliding glass doors open the interior to the pool deck, blending indoor and outdoor living.

Outdoor Spaces Inspired by Nature

Outside, a wooden deck wraps around parts of the swimming pool, creating perfect spots for lounging and sunbathing.

Outside, a wood deck wraps around parts of the swimming pool, creating spots for lounging and sunbathing.

A Warm and Cozy Family Room

Back inside, the family room sits off the kitchen and main living areas. With its Douglas Fir ceiling, L-shaped sofa, dedicated office area, and direct access to the courtyard, it serves as a comfortable and casual indoor retreat.

This family room has a Douglas fir ceiling, an ‘L’-shaped couch, an office area, and direct access to the courtyard, and it serves as a relaxing space within the home.

The Private Suite: An Oasis of calm

Down the hall, the bedroom wing provides complete privacy. The primary suite features its own hallway lined with storage and illuminated by a skylight. The bedroom itself boasts floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding doors that open onto a covered deck. The primary bathroom connects a skylit glass shower with a deep soaking tub, both positioned to enjoy views of the surrounding greenery.

This master suite has its own vestibule lined with storage and lit by a skylight. The bedroom itself features expansive floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding doors that open to a covered porch.

Integrated Landscape Design

As the home sits on a sloped site, landscaped pathways guide movement throughout the property. Large stepping stones framed by ground cover create a garden-like path to the pool. Elsewhere, a dedicated firepit area invites gatherings around the warmth of an open flame.

This Los Altos Hills home feels both modern and welcoming, designed to capture the best of California living: open spaces, natural light, and a seamless relationship with the outdoors.

Since this home sits on a sloped site, landscaped paths guide movement across the property. Large stepping stones framed by ground cover create a garden-like walkway to the pool. Elsewhere, a dedicated firepit area invites gatherings around the warmth of an open flame.

Photography: Bruce Damonte
Architecture: Malcolm Davis Architecture
Landscape Design: Earth Studio
Interior Design: Quinn Morgan Design

✦ Archup Editorial Insight

This article showcases a contemporary architectural masterpiece in California, where the home’s intelligent “H”-shaped design highlights the fluidity between indoor and outdoor spaces, focusing on the use of natural materials and light to create an ambiance of sophistication and comfort. We commend the selection of high-quality imagery that vividly conveys the experience, though we note some descriptive repetition that could have been condensed for greater impact. Overall, the article remains an inspiring model for lovers of contemporary architecture and nature-connected living, successfully reflecting a human-centered design philosophy.