Tiburon Modern.

Tiburon Modern

This project began with a site that had long resisted development. Perched on a steep upslope in Tiburon, the one-acre property offered commanding views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the San Francisco skyline, and open Bay water—but no viable way to reach them. For years, the absence of a workable driveway and emergency access made the site effectively unbuildable. Solving that constraint became the foundational move that unlocked the entire project.

Through careful study of the terrain and right-of-way conditions, a new access strategy was developed that worked with the land rather than against it. A sweeping driveway was introduced with natural slopes and a fire truck–compliant turnaround, creating safe and comfortable access to the ridge above. With that critical problem resolved, the design could focus on delivering a rare outcome for a hillside site: a home organized around single-level living, expansive light, and uninterrupted views across the Bay.

Highlights Of The Project

The completed home is organized as a series of quiet, horizontal volumes resting lightly on the hillside. The primary living spaces—entry, main living area, and primary suite—share one level, capturing panoramic views while offering an ease of movement typically impossible on steep terrain. Below, secondary living spaces open fully to level outdoor patios, reinforcing a seamless indoor–outdoor experience grounded in the geometry of the site.

A pool positioned directly alongside the kitchen and living areas becomes an architectural element rather than an amenity, reflecting light deep into the interiors and visually extending the Bay into the home. Together, these moves produce a house that lives like a flatland residence while remaining deeply responsive to its hillside setting.

Project

Scott’s approach

A Hillside With Million Dollar Views and No Way Up

This one acre upslope site in Tiburon had everything a homeowner dreams of. Golden Gate Bridge views, San Francisco skyline, open Bay water. Yet it sat untouched for years. Development teams kept walking away because no one could figure out how to get a driveway or a home to the top.

A general contractor brought the site plan to me hoping I could solve what everyone else had deemed impossible. We did. By studying the terrain closely, we found a way to use a small portion of the right of way to design a sweeping, comfortable driveway with slopes that worked naturally with the land and allowed for a fire truck turnaround. That move unlocked the entire project.

Designing the Rare Thing Every Hillside Owner Wants

With access solved, the goal became clear. Create what I call a golden nugget house. A home where the garage, the main living areas, and the primary suite all sit on one level. Most hillside homes never achieve this. When they do, the lifestyle difference is enormous. Here, that single level also captured panoramic views of the Golden Gate, the city, and the Bay.

Navigating a Design That Did Not Look Like a Hillside Home

Once the design took shape, we faced the next challenge. Tiburon’s hillside design guidelines often conflict with the things homeowners want most. Expansive glass walls, strong light, level outdoor areas. At first glance, our design appeared too horizontal, too open.

The Design Review Board told us, we love this house, but it looks like a flatland home. Over several meetings, we demonstrated how the design fit the guidelines, respected neighboring properties, and worked with the site rather than against it. In the end, the board approved it unanimously.

Resolution

Scott’s approach

Form, Light, and Three Quiet Volumes on the Ridge

The main level is organized into three pieces: the entry, the living area, and the primary suite. Each volume rests lightly on the slope with a floating roof that reaches out to the views.

Below, the kitchen and family spaces sit closer to the land, opening fully to level patios through sliding glass walls. This creates the classic California indoor outdoor experience, but anchored in the geometry of the site.

A Pool That Becomes Part of the Architecture

My favorite moment in the home is the pool tucked against the kitchen and living spaces. From inside, the pool becomes a second source of light, bouncing water reflections onto the ceilings and tying the interior back to the Bay beyond. On hot days, it provides passive cooling. On quiet days, it is simply a joy. Not many homes let you sit on the kitchen floor and dip your feet in the pool.

A Flatland Home Placed on the Hillside

The finished house delivers exactly what we set out to create. Single level living on a steep site, wrapped in panoramic views, with fluid movement from interior to exterior.

The market responded quickly. The home sold for 11.8 million dollars.

Testimonial

Client’s perspective

“Sleek lines, dramatic overhangs, soaring ceilings with warm wood finishes, and a grand scale open floorplan define the residence… One level living with a hotel like primary suite on the main floor and no stairs at the entrance… Magazine worthy design with reach out and touch views of both towers of the Golden Gate Bridge…”

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Tracy McLaughlin, Realtor