From the outside, the Sato house is composed of two simple overlappingboxes – the upper raised to the light, the lower encompassing the private rooms and sheltering the garden. Inside, open and enclosed spaces are carefully arranged to diminish the impact of a mixed-use neighborhood and create a welcoming family retreat.To maximize both spaciousness and privacy, the common areas are located on the second floor. There, the open interior rooms and outside decks flow easily into each other, creating a generous living platform suspended above the site. To the east, a solid wall protects against disturbances from nearby parking lots and karaoke bars; to thewest, the house is open to the afternoon sun and a restful view of distantmountains.The clean lines of the home’s timber frame boxes are clad in lapped concrete board trimmed with aluminum. These unusual and extremely cost effective materials create a striking and original effect even as their traditional proportions have a comfortable familiarity.