Overlook Guest House by Schwartz and Architecture
Located in Los Gatos, California, Overlook Guest House is an inspiring 775 sq ft second home designed for an aging family member designed in 2015 by Schwartz and Architecture.
About Overlook Guest House
Embracing Nature with Accessible Design
Nestled amidst a dense forest on a daunting slope, the Overlook House emerges as a beacon of accessibility. It welcomes an aging relative with a second dwelling that combines proximity and independence near the main house. The design integrates a 775 sq ft (72 sq meters) living space with the driveway, unfolding into a grand entrance. Here, a cantilevered breezeway greets visitors, offering stunning Silicon Valley vistas.
Moreover, the cleverly designed entry terrace multitasks as the home’s exclusive outdoor area, a thoughtful response to the site’s incline. An impressive oval oculus, cut from the cover, not only signifies the entry but also tracks the sun’s journey, offering a natural timepiece for the mobility-impaired resident.
Seamless Integration with the Landscape
From the main house above, this new addition artfully blends into the background. Its broad roof crafts a discreet horizon through the trees, ensuring uninterrupted valley views. The plan is masterfully simple: a single, adaptable living space occupies one side, delineated by bespoke cabinetry. Across the home, en-suite bedrooms connect via a generous, accessible bathroom and laundry—catering perfectly to both the resident and a caregiver. Thus, the Overlook House stands as a testament to design that honors both its occupant’s needs and its environmental context.
Photography by Matthew Millman
Visit Schwartz and Architecture
- by Matt Watts
