Tree House
Any discussion of this project must, by necessity, begin with a description of the densely wooded hillside on which it sits, and from where it peeks eastward above and between the oaks and evergreens that blanket Woodside. Hidden high above the road, almost floating, and looking out towards the sunrise, is a two acre site where we were challenged with one of our most structurally complicated projects.
The house had originally been built on telephone poles set in sand — not even concrete — a rather daring proposition given the dramatic slope upon which it’s balanced, and the geological history that formed it.
The home’s upper floor had previously been remodeled, rather tastefully, and was worth keeping. The goal of this project was to renovate the remainder of the home, a process that included a two story glass entryway, rebuilding severely compromised decks and decayed railings, replacing all exterior siding, building new retaining walls and, most significantly (but not visible), engineering a new foundation under the existing structure to prevent it from further slippage (it had already settled 4-5 inches). The terrain’s considerable degree of slope prevented access by any significant machinery, so auguring holes for piers had to be accomplished with a portable rig. We then poured new piers and grade beams, and structurally retrofitted the house to stabilize it. The result is a house that feels of its surroundings; anchored to the hillside yet rising above with the majesty of the surrounding evergreens.
Materials of interest: TimberTech deck, stainless steel cable railing, cedar siding, standing seam metal siding.
Location: Woodside CA
Architect: CKA Architects, Menlo Park CA
Project Duration: 2 phases over an 18 month period (structural retrofit then remodel and exterior improvements)