The Portola Valley Residence, renovated by Malcolm Davis Architecture in 2016, is a mid-century modern home that was revitalized to create a strong connection with its natural surroundings. The house is situated on a forested hillside in Portola Valley, California, offering expansive views of the western vistas and feeling secluded despite its suburban location. The project focused on integrating and unifying the structure, which had been subjected to disjointed renovations over the years, to better serve the active, nature-loving family who owns it. Architect Malcolm Davis and his team set about reconfiguring the layout and opening the house to the outdoors, removing obstructions that blocked the views and reorganizing the floorplan to create a more logical and open flow. They expanded the kitchen, creating a better connection between the open kitchen, living, and dining areas. In the dining room, new sliding glass doors and a wraparound balcony were added, providing occupants with a seamless indoor-outdoor experience. The project also included the expansion of a guesthouse, adding a sitting area and a second-floor artist's studio connected to the main house by a bridge. The materials palette is natural and warm, featuring Douglas fir cabinetry in the kitchen and an exterior of burnt cedar siding and stucco. The renovation was so successful that it feels like a cohesive, new home rather than a remodel, seamlessly "retelling the story" of the original mid-century structure. Credits Architect: Malcolm Davis Architecture Interior Designer: Lori Yeomans Builder: Mueller Nicholls Builders Photography: Joe Fletcher