The Atherton House is a family compound for a professional couple in the tech industry, and their two teenage children. After living in Singapore, then Hong Kong, and building homes there, they looked forward to continuing their search for a new place to start a life and set down roots.
The site is located on Atherton Avenue on a flat, 1 acre lot. The neighboring lots are of a similar size, and are filled with mature planting and gardens. The brief on this site was to create a house that would comfortably accommodate the busy lives of each of the family members, as well as provide opportunities for wonder and awe. Views on the site are internal. Our goal was to create an indoor- outdoor home that embraced the benign California climate.
The building was conceived as a classic “H” plan with two wings attached by a double height entertaining space. The “H” shape allows for alcoves of the yard to be embraced by the mass of the building, creating different types of exterior space. The two wings of the home provide some sense of enclosure and privacy along the side property lines.
Bio Mark English Architects is located in the Potrero Design District San Francisco.
Our practice is built on providing design that is sustainable because it is sensible and flexible, built to last. We have been providing beautifully tailored homes, work and entertainment spaces since 1992.
Mark English, AIA, is principal. A Bay Area native, he offers a designer’s sense of artistry supported by practical knowledge gained from years of direct hands-on building experience. Mark earned a bachelor of architecture degree at California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo.
