Eight Tree Eight

This home is set on a narrow site in Palo Alto in a flood zone and heavily wooded with protected old-growth redwoods.

Responding to the sensitive, forested site, the home is elevated on a concrete mat over pier foundation to avoid severing root systems and to only lightly touch the ground, yet provide a robust anchor in this high sesimic site. A composition of subtly rotated “stacked boxes” allows the structure to nestle within the trees while maintaining efficient, orthogonal interiors.

The two-story main residence, entry breezeway and a detached studio with garage are arranged around an exterior deck and grove of redwoods, creating an intimate relationship between indoor and outdoor living.

The main house enters from the breezeway into a light-filled kitchen, dining, and double-height living space, with large sliding doors connecting the family room to the outdoors. Private spaces on the upper level are organized around a central stair and overlooks the family room. Across the grove of redwoods, the studio offers a compact, adaptable living space with a loft and offers grand views and direct connection to the redwood grove and deck.

Material continuity reinforces the connection between architecture and site. Natural wood cladding extends indoors, complemented by stone, steel, and concrete, while carefully detailed exposed structure integrates seamlessly with the design.