The homeowner was looking to build a 2,200 - 2,400 SF contemporary home with a plunge pool on a 50’ x 100’ lot that had a Grand Oak Tree on the east side of the property. This presented a unique opportunity to maximize the limits of the space. We were able to work with the City to offset the setback requirements to ensure the preservation of the tree through the construction process. The design of the home was stepped back on the first floor and cantilevered on the second floor in the rear of the building to create spaces that highlighted the connection with nature. The large sliding glass doors along the living room exit on to a deck to enlarge the gathering spaces under the canopy of the tree. There is also a private balcony off the master bedroom on the second floor that gives the feeling of relaxing in the tree top. Through the use of light and glass, we were able to showcase the connection between the interior spaces and nature by creating intimate moments within each space.