Stone Court Residence
Los Altos, California

Having played an integral role in the planning of his own home, Umerani designed a residence reflective of his structural engineering background. Elegant columns and beams line the house, while transparent glass walls bordering the inner stone court create only a subtle barrier between the inside of the house and the surrounding landscape.

Several features of the residence make it sustainable. Operable transom windows allow for passive ventilation. The overhangs surrounding the stone court create shade and cooling throughout the year. Solar hot water panels and photovoltaic panels on the roof create enough hot water and electricity to heat the house even through the winter.