Wavelet House by Fougeron Architecture: A Modern Mid-Century Residential Masterpiece in Los Altos

Located in Los Altos, California, Wavelet House by Fougeron Architecture is a striking reinterpretation of Northern and Southern California’s iconic mid-century modern architecture. Completed in 2024, this 3,665 ft² residence fuses the timeless elegance of Eichler-inspired design with innovative contemporary elements, delivering a home that is both playful and sophisticated.

Design Concept and Façade

Set on a narrow lot with side-yard setbacks, Wavelet House initially presents a familiar mid-century modern façade, paying homage to the region’s architectural legacy. The front courtyard features a dynamic asymmetry of materials, metal and wood slats, that not only create a visually compelling entry but also provide privacy for the residents. This playful juxtaposition hints at the home's unexpected, modern rear, establishing a dialogue between tradition and innovation.

The rear façade, framed with a three-story curtain wall, introduces lightness and transparency against the angularity of the sculptural metal roof. Inspired by local planning constraints, which favor stepped rooflines resembling a wedding cake, the roof acts as an architectural umbrella, with undulating lines and hard angles that reinterpret the traditional pitched roof. Instead of a singular peak, the metal planes rise and fall, guiding the eye along the entire silhouette of the home and emphasizing its fluid, wave-like form.

Interior Architecture and Spatial Experience

Wavelet House’s interior is equally expressive. From the entryway to the library, the aluminum roof overhang extends dramatically, cascading along the exterior and establishing a sculptural rhythm that continues through the home’s second and third floors. The primary bedroom features a ceiling awash in crisp white planes beneath the 16-foot perforated overhang, providing shade while maintaining unobstructed sightlines.

All exterior glass doors are retractable, allowing the indoor and outdoor spaces to merge seamlessly. Combined with thoughtful solar orientation and cross-ventilation, these design strategies minimize reliance on artificial climate control, enhancing the home’s sustainability and comfort.

Courtyards and Natural Light

Wavelet House is anchored by three interweaving below-grade courtyards, which maximize natural light, create outdoor living spaces, and maintain privacy throughout the residence. The music room, guest bedroom, and office each enjoy direct access to a courtyard, providing intimate connections to nature without compromising the home’s openness.

At the heart of the residence lies a two-story library, encased in glass and featuring custom cedar-and-steel shelving that echoes the slatted exterior. Serving as both a functional and aesthetic centerpiece, the library defines the home’s spatial hierarchy while guiding the eye from room to room.

Materiality and Architectural Detailing

Fougeron Architecture’s meticulous approach to materials enhances the home’s layered design. The contrast between wood and metal at the façade, the sculptural aluminum roof, and the cedar-and-steel shelving inside demonstrates a careful balance of texture, warmth, and modernity. Each element is designed to be both functional and visually engaging, emphasizing residential architectural innovation.

Wavelet House exemplifies a thoughtful fusion of mid-century inspiration and contemporary experimentation, creating a residence that is at once timeless and distinctly modern. Its design maximizes light, air, and spatial connectivity while maintaining privacy and comfort, a true testament to California residential architecture.

Project Details

• Location: Los Altos, United States
• Architects: Fougeron Architecture
• Lead Architect: Anne Fougeron
• Area: 3,665 ft²
• Year: 2024
• Photographs: Joe Fletcher
• Manufacturers: Blonberg

All photographs are works of Joe Fletcher