Frank Gehry’s Residential Experiment – Sculptural Architecture in Silicon Valley

A new private residence in Atherton, Silicon Valley, designed by Frank Gehry, brings the architect’s unmistakable sculptural language into an intimate residential setting. The project translates Gehry’s expressive formal vocabulary—typically associated with cultural landmarks—into a highly refined domestic scale, balancing experimentation with livability.

The residence employs a rich material palette of glass, wood, metal, and brick, reinterpreting the dramatic structural timber trusses seen at the Fondation Louis Vuitton. These elements are adapted here to create a warm yet technically ambitious home defined by bold masses and unconventional geometries.

Internally, the dining space is conceived as a pavilion-like environment, articulated through heavy timber columns, curved beams, and expansive glazed surfaces that evoke a tent-inspired spatial quality. The lower level accommodates entertainment spaces that open seamlessly to the courtyard and swimming pool, reinforcing a strong indoor–outdoor relationship.

Throughout the residence, references to Gehry’s work across different periods are evident—from wide eaves and brick towers to expressive metal roof forms. Developed over more than a decade, the project stands as a rare example of Gehry’s experimental approach applied to residential architecture, pushing both structural and material boundaries.

The project was developed by Gehry Partners, with interior design by The Wiseman Group, and photography by Jason Schmidt.