Discover the Modal Home, a serene oasis in Menlo Park, California, designed by S^A | Schwartz and Architecture.
This unique concrete residence, completed in 2021, transforms urban noise into a tranquil haven, where natural light takes center stage. Immerse yourself in a world where the senses are rebalanced, and experience the true essence of a peaceful retreat in the heart of Silicon Valley.

About Modal Home
Creating an Urban Oasis Amidst the Noise
In order to create a peaceful sanctuary away from a noisy road, this innovative home design turns inward, acting as an urban cloister that provides a buffer from the surrounding traffic. To make up for the loss of sound and views, we went above and beyond to enhance the play of natural light throughout the day. This concept highlights how the loss of one sense can amplify our perception of another. Trans-Modal Neuroplasticity in Home Design
Trans-Modal Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to compensate for a deficit in one sense by developing more refined abilities in another. In this case, a 14-foot-high (4.27 meters) concrete acoustic wall quiets the noisy surroundings but also limits access to direct light and views. Our design approach emerges directly from the site’s constraints, as we enhance our experience of light while reducing our perception of sound. A series of strategically placed skylights bathe the interior in soft light, while open sky-windows offer upward views.
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