The clients, a Swedish couple building their home in Atherton, envisioned a contemporary house that felt calm rather than stark. Their inspiration came from Northern European modernism, with its emphasis on natural light, clear proportion, and restrained materials. The design pairs a European-style white brick exterior with large steel-framed windows that draw daylight deep into the interior.
Designing within Atherton’s setbacks
Atherton’s zoning requirements strongly influence residential design. Large setbacks, often 50 to 60 feet on all sides, create generous spacing between homes but leave a limited buildable area within each lot.
Here, the house takes the form of a long rectangular volume placed carefully within that central envelope. Mature heritage oaks frame the entry approach, while a large magnolia anchors the rear of the property and helps shape the outdoor spaces.
The property is organized as a small compound. In addition to the main residence, separate garage and gym structures sit apart from the house, allowing the primary volume to remain visually calm within the landscape.
A clear and efficient plan
A central entry and stair organize the home, establishing a direct axis through the house toward the backyard and surrounding trees.
The ground floor balances social spaces with daily functions. An office and guest bedroom occupy the west end, while the east side contains the mudroom, pantry, and dining areas. The kitchen sits within the great room and is centered around a long island used for both cooking and casual dining.
The Swedish “allrum”
Running along the rear of the house is a long family living space inspired by the Swedish concept of the allrum, a central gathering room for everyday life. Facing south toward the garden and hills beyond, the space receives sunlight throughout the day.
Large steel windows and doors open directly to the terrace and pool, strengthening the indoor-outdoor connection that defines many contemporary homes in Atherton.
Upper floor and outdoor living
All bedrooms are located on the second floor. The primary suite sits on the west end of the house, oriented south to capture garden views and afternoon light. Additional bedrooms face the backyard, while bathrooms are organized along a central core.
A trellis spans the south-facing terrace, with louvers that temper sunlight while allowing filtered light into the interior. Heated and illuminated, the space functions as an outdoor living room for dining and gathering throughout the year.
Landscape design by Bliss Landscape Architecture organizes the garden around a pool, sculptural planting, and rectilinear paving that complements the architecture’s clean geometry.
Project scope
For this project, Fergus Garber Architects served as Architect of Record through the design and permit phases, developing the architectural design, site organization, and exterior expression of the residence. The construction team later carried the project forward through final execution.
The completed home reflects a balance between Scandinavian restraint and California living, creating a quiet architectural presence within Atherton’s tree-filled landscape.