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Houses By Design

Reinvented Ranch

This single-level home reimagines the traditional layout with a modern, accessible design that emphasizes open spaces, natural light, and seamless indoor-outdoor living.

By Janice Rohlf Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025

From the street side, this 2500-sq.-ft., single-story house featuring a garage, entry, and bedroom at the front naturally fits into its suburban neighborhood of typical ranch-style homes. Upon entering, traditional building forms and methods are reimagined with a contemporary touch.

At its core, this retirement residence prioritizes ease of access and universal design, with a central great room that unifies the kitchen, dining, living, and outdoor spaces with broad interconnected passageways. Warm interior finishes are highlighted by an abundance of natural light entering through expansive windows and high clerestories, including trapezoidal windows that lend architectural character.

In the kitchen, a pantry built flush into the wall offers integrated storage that enhances the clean, uncluttered look of the space. Finely finished wood ceilings extend outward to the exterior living spaces, which are designed to be as inviting and comfortable as the interiors, providing a perfect setting for relaxing or entertaining outdoors. This house is a true sanctuary in the bustling heart of Silicon Valley.


Architect: LSH Architects Builder: Dimensional Construction
Location: Mountain View, California Photos: Edward Caldwell Photography

From Fine Homebuilding #329

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