![\"Dayton](\"https:\/\/www.e-architect.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/dayton-residence-silicon-valley-california-usa-m050726-a-5.webp\")
<\/a><\/p>\nPhotos by Adam Potts<\/p>\n
Ancient History is at the Heart of This Second-Generation Builder\u2019s California Courtyard Casa Mahya Salehi Studio brings Middle Eastern courtyard archetype to a compact Silicon Valley lot<\/p>\n
When a second-generation California contractor and his family decided to build their own home, he turned to an architect he already knew: Mahya Salehi of Mahya Salehi Studio. Having previously collaborated with Salehi on client projects, Sergio, who owns his own construction company, walked into the project with inherent trust in the firm\u2019s vision, paving the way for a collaborative partnership informed by both his and Salehi\u2019s cultural backgrounds.<\/p>\n Originally occupied by a tired 1958 tract home, the modest 55-by-55-foot lot offered little at first glance beyond a mature redwood in the backyard, which the family was committed to preserving. With a near blank slate, they brought Salehi a simple brief: maximize space, maintain privacy, and create a place centered on gathering.<\/p>\n Salehi\u2019s response did exactly that, placing an open-air courtyard at the center of the home, drawing on the architecture of her Iranian roots. The idea immediately resonated with Sergio, bringing to mind his<\/p>\n grandmother\u2019s hacienda-style home in Mexico, where the typology traces back through Spanish and Islamic influence. The courtyard became the project\u2019s defining move, drawing light and air into the center of the plan while creating a sheltered outdoor room that remains comfortable throughout the day.<\/p>\n This modern Silicon Valley house reveals itself in layers, all anchored by the courtyard that sits directly ahead upon entry. Beyond it lies the living room, a wall of glazing, and finally the backyard\u2014the view pulling you through the house before you\u2019ve taken a step.<\/p>\n Moving clockwise, the plan unfolds with intention, passing the dining area and into the kitchen, strategically positioned to serve both dining and living spaces. At the rear, the double-height family room faces the redwood tree, framed by a sloped butterfly roof that tempers the room\u2019s scale.<\/p>\n The butterfly roofline emerged through its own logic. A 1,000-square-foot cap on the second story and a required setback from the front wall shaped the plan, allowing the dining room window to rise taller than a typical stacked condition would permit. The recessed second story then splits into two wings\u2014a primary<\/p>\n suite on one side and bedrooms for two young daughters on the other\u2014separated by a breezeway that looks over the double-height living room and out to the backyard. The roof resolves these moves as a single gesture: the butterfly\u2019s pitch aligns precisely with the front monoslope, forming a continuous architectural expression.<\/p>\n The home balances restraint with warmth punctuated by moments of whimsy. A palette of sophisticated stone and wood is offset by playful pink Portuguese marble in the girls\u2019 bathroom. At the edge of the courtyard, a concealed door reveals a hidden speakeasy. Programmatic flexibility further supports the family\u2019s lifestyle: a junior accessory dwelling unit and detached accessory dwelling unit provide space for extended family to stay, with the latter doubling as Sergio\u2019s office.<\/p>\n Through the courtyard, the project distills a centuries-old typology into a contemporary response to density, climate, and family life, proving that even the most compact sites can hold space for light, air, and connection.<\/p>\n Dayton Residence in Silicon Valley, California \u2013 Property Information<\/p>\n Architect: Mahya Salehi Studio \u2013 https:\/\/mahyasalehistudio.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n Location: Silicon Valley, CA Interior Design: Mahya Salehi Studio About Mahya Salehi Studio<\/p>\n Mahya Salehi Studio is an architecture and interior design practice based in Walnut Creek, California. Founded by architect Mahya Salehi, AIA, the studio specializes in high-end residential projects that balance beauty, functionality, and a deep sensitivity to site and context. With a holistic approach, the team designs architecture and interiors in parallel\u2014ensuring cohesive, tailored spaces that feel both timeless and highly personal.<\/p>\n Photography: Adam Potts<\/p>\n Dayton Residence, Silicon Valley, California, USA images \/ information received 050726<\/p>\n Location: https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Silicon_Valley<\/a>, California, USA<\/a><\/p>\n San Mateo Buildings<\/p>\n More buildings in the San Francisco Bay Area of Northern California on e-architect:<\/p>\n Science and Environmental Center at Nueva School, Hillsborough<\/a> Sacred Heart William V. Campbell Academic and Arts Center<\/a>, Atherton Facebook Campus Menlo Park<\/a> Expansion, Menlo Park, San Francisco Bay Area ++<\/p>\n San Francisco Building Designs<\/p>\n San Francisco Architectural Designs<\/a> \u2013 chronological list<\/p>\n Google Bay View Campus, Silicon Valley<\/a>, Silicon Valley Pioche House<\/a> San Francisco Architecture<\/a><\/p>\n ++<\/p>\n American Architecture Designs<\/p>\n American Architectural Designs \u2013 recent selection from e-architect:<\/p>\n Californian Architects<\/a><\/p>\n US Architecture News<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
Area Lot Size: 9,800 SF
House Footprint: 3,475 SF (2,775 Main house + 700 ADU)
Total Interior: 3,500 SF (Main house) + 700 SF (ADU)<\/p>\n
Contractor: Integrum Construction
Structural and Civil : PEC solutions
Lighting Design: COSINE
Photographer: Adam Potts<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
Architecture: Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects<\/a>
photos : Richard Barnes, Bruce Damonte<\/p>\n
Architects: WRNS Studio<\/p>\n
Design: Frank Gehry architect of Gehry Partners, LLP<\/p>\n
Design: Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and Heatherwick Studio<\/a>
photo : Iwan Baan<\/p>\n
Architecture: Jayson Architecture<\/a>
photo : David Wakely<\/p>\n