Maruyama Residence

Maruyama Residence is a 5,000 sf private residence in Hillsborough, California set on a steep hillside in the middle of a dense Eucalyptus forest with beautiful views to the east.

The client requested distinctive, flexible zones to mediate between the public and private areas; these “overlap” spaces allow the functional areas of the house to grown and shrink with the changing needs of the family. This concept of the “overlap” then expands to the threshold between outside and inside spaces. Upon entry to the house, sightlines expand the space from the inside out and visually connect the different parts of the building.

By framing the main view to the east with a covered porch/deck, an outdoor space is created that allows for a flowing transition between the inside and outside and that can become more of an inside space simply by pulling the curtains located at the exterior edge of the deck. With this simple gesture this “overlap” zone can merge the inside and the outside while also being able to become either, resulting in a true hybrid space. A lower level anchors the building into the hillside while taking advantage of the sloped terrain. A study and bedroom on the second floor open to a roof terrace and 180-degree views of the valley. The rear yard is a simple Japanese landscape design with a reflection pool that the more private side of the house opens up to.

The material palette is based on materials that reflect the character of the site, natural stone, wood and lime plaster.