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The Sherman/Kawauchi House, originally built in 1959, is revered within the Menlo Park community, especially for its exquisite garden brimming with vibrant flowers. Fifth Arch, the renowned Bay Area firm specializing in residential design, construction, and development, recently conducted a thorough tear down and rebuild project on the home.
The transformation has preserved the integral character of the property while incorporating modern features. Drawing inspiration from Japanese aesthetics, the updated design perfectly harmonizes wood and natural elements, evoking a sense of serene beauty. It represents the most recent addition to Fifth Arch’s extensive legacy of exceptional home designs.
In an exclusive interview, we had the privilege of speaking with Huan Fang, the co-founder of Fifth Arch, to discuss the intricacies of the Sherman/Kawauchi House’s new design and explore the key features seamlessly woven into its fabric.
HAVEN: Tell us more about Fifth Arch, its services, and its specialties.
Huan: My colleague, Peter Suen, and I founded Fifth Arch, a leading residential design, construction, and development firm based in California’s bustling Bay Area. The firm excels in creating bespoke homes and overseeing the entire construction process. With a focus on cutting-edge design, sustainable practices, and real estate savvy, Fifth Arch delivers high-quality residences tailored to each client’s vision.
HAVEN: What goals or priorities guided you throughout the rebuilding process for the Sherman/Kawauchi House?
Huan: Our project narrative unfolds as a captivating journey through time and transformation, deftly balancing echoes of the past with the demands of the present. Originally built in 1959 for Minako ‘Pat’ Kawauchi and her husband Tak, the residence stands as a poignant testament to enduring care and continuity.
In our meticulous endeavor to rejuvenate the architecture, we have conscientiously preserved the essence of Pat’s enchanting garden—a cherished symbol of the community renowned for its profusion of flowers and natural beauty. This commitment to preservation serves as the cornerstone of our design narrative, which delves into the interplay of craftsmanship and modernity within the context of Californian living.
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HAVEN: Which aspects or features particularly stand out in Sherman/Kawauchi House’s updated design?
Huan: Inside, a deliberate integration of wood and natural elements not only imbues the space with authenticity but also pays homage to the rich cultural heritage intrinsic to the home. Limewash walls, patina steel, and carefully oiled wood finishes converge in a harmonious symphony of textures, unfolding into a design that is both gentle and distinctly contemporary.
At the heart of the residence lies a two-story entrance atrium—an architectural pivot around which household life revolves. This central space, reminiscent of the communal areas found in traditional Japanese homes, serves as a nexus where visual lines converge, and the external beauty of the courtyard seamlessly blends through expansive sliding doors. This architectural feature allows occupants to intimately experience the rhythm of the seasons. Bedrooms and functional spaces are strategically positioned to delineate clear zones of activity and tranquility, while the pervasive use of wooden elements fosters a serene and inviting atmosphere, accentuated by metal accents that nod to tradition while ensuring enduring freshness. With its meticulous attention to detail and thoughtful integration of old and new, our project stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Kawauchi family.
Learn more about Fifth Arch at its website.
