The Cottage | Residential Architecture Bay Area
Conceived as a high-end yet unfussy home, the project prioritizes long-term livability, low maintenance, and a strong connection to the outdoors supporting everyday family life, seasonal use, and hosting larger groups with ease.
The architectural approach emphasizes seamless indoor–outdoor living without relying on overly delicate details or high-maintenance systems. Covered outdoor areas, screened transitions, and protected decks allow the home to open fully to its surroundings while remaining comfortable across seasons. Outdoor dining, fire gathering spaces, and easy access to nature are treated as extensions of the interior rather than separate amenities.
Client
Private
Category & Year
Creative Team
YCD Studio
Connection to Nature
Large-format glazing and minimal interior detailing frame views of the lake, reinforcing a calm, relaxed atmosphere while allowing natural light and seasonal changes to shape the experience of the space.
Open-Plan Living Core
The main living space is designed as the social heart of the home, combining kitchen, dining, and lounge areas to support daily family life, casual entertaining, and strong visual connections to the surrounding landscape.
Shared Dining & Gathering
The dining area is positioned to accommodate large group meals while maintaining a strong visual connection to the outdoors, supporting flexible hosting, everyday use, and informal family gatherings.
Low-Maintenance Lakefront Design
The exterior architecture prioritizes durability, simplicity, and ease of use, with covered outdoor spaces and direct water access that support year-round enjoyment and long-term performance.