khosla-house: Khosla House, Portola Valley, California, USA
Designed 1986
Floor to ceiling glass walls within the poured-in-place concrete frame take advantage of the magnificent and varied views extending in all directions. The many levels of the house are placed among the many existing trees and primarily descend the hill's south slope in a collection of outdoor terraces and an indoor orangerie beside a series of stepped pools and waterways.
The concrete frame is buff coloured and sandblasted, while exposed concrete walls are bush-hammered. Gypsum board walls and ceilings are painted white with stainless steel used as accents in some rooms. Granite covers the floors and terraces in patterns of flamed and polished textures. The pools are lined with a light green slate.
An extensive automation system throughout the house allows computerized and user sensitive control of lighting, security, audio, video, air supply, and sun control. A unique system of cable trays and cabinets in each room enables the owner to modify the wiring and components as new products become available.
Photo of pool with roof open by Roger Brooks
See "Masonry Houses" for more Khosla House
