- Architecture & development
In Atherton, California, you will find an impressive project by Feldman Architecture. With an abundance of natural daylight, both pavilions show how interesting architecture and livability can go hand in hand. Imagicasa is happy to take you along on this story!
After an extensive search for their perfect home, the owners fell in love with a modern house on a flat plot in Atherton. Over the past few years, they have carried out a series of renovations to the property, including a small extension to the garage and an upper floor to provide extra space for their growing family. However, the lush and secluded backyard was waiting for attention to reveal its full potential. 
The Atherton pavilions consist of two outbuildings that are rich in detail and at one with the landscape. They are identical in height and materials and have two distinct functions: one structure serves as an outdoor kitchen and dining area, while the other is a multi-purpose space used primarily for meditation and fitness. 
Concrete foundations create an illusion that the structures are floating above the vegetation.
The pavilions are delicately placed in the middle of the existing landscape of sequoias and other mature trees, blending into the soft landscape and making the transition between garden and structure as seamless as possible. Here, Feldman's architectural team worked with Thuilot Associates to soften that transition between garden and pavilion. Landscaping unites the two pavilions with a new water feature and decks that float above the outbuildings. The kitchen pavilion, located next to the organically shaped swimming pool, functions as an extension of the pool and the outdoor lounge area. An outdoor kitchen with a pizza oven, grill and extensive storage complete the new dining area. The second pavilion is located further back on the property and serves as a retreat space for yoga, fitness and meditation. 
By lifting the concrete foundations of the pavilions at the front and back, the illusion is created that the structures are floating above the vegetation. At both ends of each pavilion, the concrete returns to the site, tying the structures back to the earth. The facades are sheathed in slats of naturally weathered Alaskan yellow cedar that wrap around both ends of the structures, while screens at the front and back help form trellises. The wooden screens serve each pavilion in a contrasting way: they provide privacy in the movement and meditation pavilion and a sense of openness in the kitchen pavilion. Finally, a soft wood palette was chosen that allows it to weather and age naturally, so that the pavilions blend in even better with their green surroundings. We are already fans!
Architecture: Feldman Architecture
Contractor: Design Line Construction
Landscape Design: Thuilot Associates
Structural Engineer: Daedalus Structural Engineering
Civil Engineer: Lea & Braze Engineering
Geotechnical Engineer: Romig Engineers Inc
Photography: Adam Rouse