feldman architecture's 'the sanctuary' rests among lush palo alto gardens

feldman architecture completes its california dwelling, ‘the sanctuary,’ a previously derelict home sited along a plot of lush vegetation in palo alto. with its overgrown garden, the site offers a sense of discovery which served to drive the inspiration for the design. the house rests quietly behind the large heritage oak tree with its canopy stretching across the wide front yard. upon approach, the occupant passes through a series of courtyards and view gardens that weave through the undulating footprint of the building. each interior space is paired with its own landscape moment, allowing the architecture and landscape to flow into each other.

all images by joe fletcher

feldman architecture harmoniously elevates ‘the sanctuary’ above the lush gardens throughout the site. floating on piers, the building participates in dialogue with the trees while protecting their roots. the floor plate projects beyond the building envelope and dissolves into balconies to blur the sense of indoor and outdoor while at the same time lifting the building up from the ground. even the driveway is built of floating concrete structural slabs supported on piers to minimize the impact on the heritage oak tree. the curated gardens are designed together with ground studio landscape to retain the serenity and surprise of the site while introducing a cohesive and modern atmosphere.

‘the sanctuary’ by feldman architecture is organized with three pavilions that span the depth of the lot. thoughtfully placed, the second story apartment is designed for rentals. below, board-formed concrete walls serve as organizing elements in the main residence which separate private from public areas. diffused natural light streams into the space throughout the day, working gently with the clean material palette of concrete and alaskan yellow cedar. the sanctuary is constructed as a modern house that allows the landscape to speak first. the design features its many hidden courtyards, inviting guests to experience the sense of wonder that first inspired the design of the urban oasis.