Long, narrow, sloped, and hemmed in — this Fremont, California terrain would be an instant red flag for potential home buyers, but this didn’t scare off a family who wanted to turn the awkward lot into their light-filled family retreat. Enter Mahya Salehi Studio, who stepped up to the challenge to deliver the Washington Residence for a tech couple and their kids.
The parcel’s odd shape actually worked in their favor, giving them built-in privacy: the sloping terrain allowed them to embed the lower level into the hillside, and staggering the upper floors let Salehi carve out more square footage without overwhelming the site. A sunshade study created openings — skylights, glazing, and overhangs — that let in maximum light throughout the house. The south-facing courtyard fosters a connection with the views and greenery of the property…