US studio Craig Steely Architecture has created a two-level home for a sloped site in northern California, with vast stretches of glass that overlook the treetops.

Nestled in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, the residence ? called Pam and Paul's House ? is located in Cupertino ? the city where Apple has its vast headquarters. Built on a steep and wooded site, the 2,600-square-foot (242 square metres) dwelling was designed to minimise its impact on the environment. One side of the house hugs the hillside, while the other hovers over it, propped up by thick pillars.

"The conceptual idea came clearly and quickly ? float a glass box in the leaves of the trees on two trunk-like columns, disrupting as few oaks as possible," said American firm Craig Steely Architecture in a project description.
For exterior cladding, the team used zinc and aluminium, along with large stretches of glass that are shaded by the dense tree canopy. On the upper level, mirrored glazing reflects the surrounding landscape and sky.

The home is entered on the top level, where a steel-grate bridge leads to the north-facing front door and garage. The upper level is composed of a rectilinear form adjoined to a sculptural volume, both of which are encircled by native grasses. While the lower level appears like a wide box, the south elevation actually cuts across the hillside at an angle. Curved corners accentuate the home's unusual massing.

Inside, a metal staircase leads down to ...