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Shou Sugi Ban House by Schwartz and Architecture

Nestled high above Silicon Valley, the Shou Sugi Ban House was a project that consisted of a major remodel and addition to an existing modern home. At the head of the project was Schwartz and Architecture, who were inspired by the surrounding sights and textures, like the boulders, bark, and leaves.

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A two-story addition was designed and clad in traditional Japanese Shou Sugi Ban, which is burnt wood siding.

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The original home was a collaboration between Min | Day as design architect and Burks Toma Architects as architect of record and was finished in 1999. In 2005 a swimming pool and other outdoor spaces were added by Min | Day. Then in 2009, Schwartz and Architecture (SaA) were hired to design the addition and begin the interior remodel, which wasn’t complete until 2015.

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The addition houses a new guest suite on the upper floor with a family room below.

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The new family room looks out to the surrounding green landscape through floor-to-ceiling windows.

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An open floating staircase connects the family room to the guest suite above.

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Natural textures were an important part of the remodel with hopes of connecting it to the natural surroundings.

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Photos by Mathew Millman.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.