House of Horns
A hillside residence in Los Altos Hills with sculptural forms and seamless illumination.
Location: Los Altos Hills, CA
Products: S Series
Design Architect: WOJR
Architect of Record: Para Project
Structural Engineer: Ficcadenti Waggoner and Castle Structural Engineers
MEP Engineering: Monterey Energy Group
Lighting Consultant: O- LLC
Photography Credit: Nick Dearden
Hidden atop a hill in Los Altos Hills, a residential neighborhood with beautiful views of California’s Silicon Valley and the San Francisco Bay, stands a residence coined as the House of Thorns. The brainchild of Cambridge, Massachusetts-based architect WOJR that reused the existing concrete foundation, this two-story creation boosts six tower-like extrusions or “horns” on the exterior with an expansive, open-plan living area with various ceiling vaults that intersect in the interior of this 8,500 square foot home.
To help to illuminate this tranquil home, our S Series surface-mount round downlights are custom recessed in the warm oak wood and concrete ceilings. The 4-inch, ultra-thin S Series, offered in both round and square shapes, features an edgeless design for an elegant look and delivers pure, efficient, even illumination that transforms spaces while disappearing into them.
S Series
The S Series redefines what’s possible for a surface mount downlight. Packed with technical breakthroughs, the ultra-thin S Series matches the elegance of a high-end recessed downlight. Get the most out of the S Series by installing it into our advanced F4NC junction box. Together, it’s even easier to specify, install, and maintain, and includes fire, sound, airtight, and insulated contact ratings.
About WOJR
WOJR is a design organization based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, known for its work across art, design, and urbanism. With commissions spanning the U.S. and internationally, including a pavilion at the 17th International Biennale Architettura in Venice, the firm creates projects that respond to their unique geographical and cultural contexts. Founded by William O’Brien Jr., an Associate Professor at MIT, WOJR maintains strong ties to academic communities, with team members affiliated with Harvard GSD and other universities. The firm also collaborates with Collective–LOK and Samara, an experimental product development team at Airbnb.
About Para Project
Para Project is a multidisciplinary design practice that collaborates with diverse clients to create projects spanning cultural, institutional, residential, and event spaces, as well as international competitions. Driven by curiosity and client-specific needs, the firm engages in work of varying scales and media. Para’s innovative designs have been widely recognized, with features in publications such as The New York Times, LA Times, New York Magazine, Harvard Design Magazine, Architectural Record, Metropolis, and Domus, among others. Their work has also been included in notable books, including American City X (2014) and Shopping Now (2010), solidifying their influence in contemporary design discourse.
About Ficcadenti Waggoner and Castle Structural Engineers
FWC was founded in 1991 by Seb Ficcadenti and Michael Waggoner with a passion for structural engineering and a commitment to high-quality service. Their vision of building a dedicated team led to the firm’s rapid growth, including the addition of principals Tom Castle and Mark Schroeder within the first decade. Castle expanded FWC into Northern California, while Schroeder developed a strong retail and mixed-use portfolio in Southern California. Today, with over 70 employees and a team of long-standing members, FWC has added principals George Sun, Vince De Vita, and Sayola Briney, further driving the firm’s growth. With offices in California, Idaho, and North Carolina, FWC now provides structural engineering services nationwide and has completed projects as far as Korea and Norway.
About Monterey Energy Group
Monterey Energy Group, founded in 1982 in response to California’s evolving energy regulations, has established itself as a leader in energy-efficient HVAC and system design. Led by industry experts David Knight and Abe Stalcup, P.E., the firm specializes in navigating the complexities of Title 24 Energy Code compliance while preserving architectural vision and optimizing indoor comfort. With decades of experience, Monterey Energy Group has expanded its services across multiple states, offering comprehensive consulting and design solutions. Recognized for its innovative approach and technical expertise, the firm remains a trusted partner for architects and builders seeking cutting-edge, sustainable energy solutions.
About O- LLC
O- LLC is a Portland, Oregon-based lighting design firm specializing in innovative and artistic lighting solutions for architectural and interior spaces. Collaborating closely with architects, designers, and homeowners, the firm creates customized lighting experiences that enhance ambiance, functionality, and spatial aesthetics. With expertise spanning residential, commercial, and hospitality projects, O- LLC is dedicated to crafting energy-efficient and visually compelling designs that transform spaces with creativity and precision.
Visit House of Horns.