Redwood City Two-Story Residence Designed for Modern Family Living
This two-story residence in Redwood City was designed for homeowners seeking a clean, modern home with a warm material palette and open, functional spaces. The goal was to create a house that felt refined but livable, blending contemporary architecture with natural textures while navigating Redwood City’s design review and neighborhood notification requirements.
Client
Mergen Residence
Year
2020
The Challenge
The existing home no longer met the needs of the family, both spatially and architecturally. The new design needed to deliver a modern, two-story single-family residence that fit comfortably within the neighborhood while meeting Redwood City planning and building regulations.
Key priorities included
A modern exterior using board-and-batten siding and stone veneer
Open interior spaces with dark wood flooring and exposed ceiling beams
Clear circulation and visual connection between floors
Careful attention to massing, height, and setbacks for design review approval
A smooth process through neighborhood notification, planning review, and building permits
The challenge was balancing architectural clarity and warmth while addressing the city’s review process efficiently and transparently.
The Approach
The project began with a detailed zoning and site analysis to establish a compliant building envelope and massing strategy appropriate for a two-story home. The design emphasized clean lines and proportion, using board-and-batten siding and stone veneer to create depth and texture without visual excess.
Inside, the home was designed around open, light-filled spaces. Dark wood flooring grounds the interior, while exposed ceiling beams add warmth and architectural character. The layout connects living, dining, and kitchen areas while maintaining clear transitions between public and private spaces across both floors.
Every design decision focused on simplicity, longevity, and livability.
Redwood City Design Review and Neighborhood Process
Redwood City’s planning process includes design review and neighborhood notification, requiring clear communication of the project’s intent, scale, and compatibility with surrounding homes. We prepared comprehensive architectural drawings and material descriptions to support the review process and address neighborhood considerations early.
By coordinating closely with city staff and responding thoughtfully to feedback, the project moved efficiently through planning approvals. Once design review was completed, the project advanced smoothly through building permit review, allowing construction to proceed with confidence.
The Result
The completed home is a clean, modern two-story residence that feels warm, balanced, and intentional. Board-and-batten siding and stone veneer provide a refined exterior presence, while dark wood flooring and ceiling beams create an inviting interior atmosphere.
The open layout supports daily living and entertaining, while the two-story configuration allows for privacy and flexibility as the family’s needs evolve. The result is a home that feels contemporary without feeling stark, and premium without feeling overdesigned.
A thoughtful design review process helped shape a home that feels modern and confident while still fitting naturally into its Redwood City neighborhood.
By addressing zoning, neighborhood notification, and building requirements early, the project moved forward with clarity and fewer surprises
Designing Homes That Work in Redwood City
Prestin Ravid Architects designs new homes, additions, and renovations throughout Redwood City and the greater South Bay and Peninsula. Our work balances clean, modern architecture with a practical understanding of local planning, design review, and construction processes.