A house shaped by both landscape and memory, Moksha by SAW architects is set in the rolling hills of Portola Valley, a small town in California. A prolonged project, tempered by the tragic passing of the commissioning clients (long term friends of the architects) during the building process, there is a great deal of sentiment and sensitivity rolled into the project.
Arranged on a large, wildly landscaped plot, the residence unfolds as visitors descend the slope into the grounds, with a main residence and smaller guest house built into the gradient and surrounded by mature trees and meadow. From the curb side, much of the building remains hidden, opening instead through a sequence of courtyards and terraces. With prominent overhangs created by subtle shifts in the geometry, a quiet dialogue is established between the structures, light, and the surrounding landscape. Bold vertical cladding wraps the exterior in redwood, designed to weather over time, while inside, the presence of salvaged eucalyptus flooring adds warmth and texture. Great swathes of glass cover the ground floor levels, flooding the home with light and creating panoramic sightlines over the stunning garden.
Following the family tragedy, the architects completed the project, intent on the home standing as a reflection on loss and resilience. The name ‘Moksha’ refers to the concept of release and renewal, a nod to the emotional foundation of the home that now begins its legacy with a new family.
Photography © Joe Fletcher