Menlo Oaks Zen
Menlo Park, CA
The two-story 5,200 square-foot house set on a private court in Menlo Park with modern characteristics and an open plan replaced an outdated 1970s ranch home. Placed to respect and integrate with the existing mature oak trees, the house is designed to serve the owner’s lifestyle blending close-knit family time with frequent entertaining. The exterior of the house features a sleek and minimalist design with clean lines, large openings providing access to the outdoor spaces, and a neutral color palette. The exterior materials including integral color cement plaster, clear cedar siding, and aluminum windows and doors, along with the butterfly roof form, all reinforce the home's style. Entering the house through a glass foyer, the space bridges between the Living and Dining Pavilion and the more private areas of the home. Blurring the boundary between interior and exterior, large areas of glass and a ceiling matching the cedar soffit extends through the ‘bridge’. On the other side, a gracious chef’s kitchen, with multiple islands and secondary dining opens to the backyard entertaining area through a folding glass wall. Further back are the family room, additional bedrooms, utility spaces, and the primary suite. The second floor of the house includes two symmetric bedrooms and a shared bathroom. The expansive backyard has a spa and room for a pool. An elongated firepit along with outdoor seating and dining are aligned and connected with the indoor spaces, enhancing the ability to entertain year-round. The landscaping is minimalistic and low maintenance to protect the oak trees which provide shade all around the property. The house is equipped with smart home technology integrating security, access, lighting, distributed audio systems, and temperature control.