JILL BENTON ARCHITECTS
Mill Valley Custom Home
Nestled within a grove of old-growth redwoods, this new contemporary hillside residence was designed to tread lightly on an extraordinary site. The property’s defining feature — a natural “pixie ring” of heritage redwoods, some estimated to be more than 600 years old — shaped every aspect of the design. The home was carefully positioned to preserve the trees and integrate quietly into the landscape.
Organized across four levels, the house responds directly to the steep terrain while maintaining a strong connection to the surrounding forest. The upper level contains the garage entry, with the main living spaces and chef’s kitchen located below. The primary suite occupies its own dedicated floor, while the lower level includes three additional bedrooms, laundry, and two bathrooms, including one ensuite.
A custom steel staircase creates a clean architectural spine through the home, complemented by a private elevator connecting all four levels. Expansive Ipe decks and custom steel-and-Ipe railings extend the interiors outward, framing immersive views into the redwood canopy and reinforcing the home’s quiet dialogue with the site.
Pacific Heights Victorian Renovation
This thoughtfully restored three-unit San Francisco Victorian seamlessly blends historic character with contemporary living. Once defined by dark, compartmentalized interiors, the residences were renovated to create bright, open spaces filled with natural light and an effortless sense of flow.
Walls were carefully removed to create expansive living areas that connect beautifully to newly designed kitchens, each featuring custom cabinetry, generous islands for gathering, and premium Bertazzoni appliances. The result is a sophisticated balance of timeless architecture and modern functionality.
Bathrooms were elegantly redesigned with refined contemporary finishes, while bedrooms were expanded to create more generous, comfortable retreats. Custom closets with sliding barn doors add both character and practicality throughout.
The transformation honors the home's Victorian heritage while creating three inviting residences designed for the way people live today—light-filled, welcoming, and crafted for everyday luxury.
Northstar - Lake Tahoe
This Tahoe Northstar Resort home replaced a small home on a beautiful, wooded site.
The main level of the new home consists of a chef’s kitchen, a formal dining room and a living room. Adjacent to the living room is a family room, the two spaces are separated by 15’ three panel custom sliding barn doors. The two rooms can be combined for a larger entertaining space. There are two powder rooms on the lower level as well. A backyard deck off the kitchen features a hot tub with expansive views to open space.
The upper level consists of 4 en-suite bedrooms, two of which feature custom contemporary steel fireplaces. There is also a large kids'-dream-come-true bunk room. 6 bunk beds line one wall, each with a small window and cubbies for books or toys, complete with lights and power to charge devices. Three trundle beds below allow the room to accommodate 9 children.
San Anselmo Estate
This estate was transformed through two carefully phased renovations that expanded and modernized the property while strengthening its connection to the landscape.
The first phase converted a deteriorated creekside carriage house into a fully independent detached ADU. Retaining the original footprint, the structure was rebuilt to include an open kitchen, dining, and living area centered around a fireplace and opening to a beautifully curated garden. A full bath completes the main level, while a spacious bedroom suite occupies the upper floor.
The second phase reimagined the main residence through the complete reconstruction of the upper level and a comprehensive reconfiguration of the interior layout. A new ensuite guest suite was added above the three-car garage, seamlessly integrated into the architecture of the home. The project was completed while the family remained in residence, requiring a carefully coordinated phased construction process.
Sausalito Kitchen Remodel
This family home was updated to open up the space and let light pour in. The house was taken down to the studs and rebuilt as brand new.
Sausalito - Under Construction
This home is designed for a steep hillside site with panoramic views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. A series of stacked volumes step up the slope reducing the home's perceived scale and allowing it to sit comfortably within the narrow site.
The defining features of the design are two angled concrete walls that extend from the exterior, pass through the interior, and emerge back into the site, creating a continuous connection between architecture and terrain. These walls organize the house spatially, anchor it to the hillside, and establish a strong visual rhythm throughout the four levels. A concrete-clad stair tower, punctuated by deep recessed windows, links each floor and reinforces the home's sculptural expression. The result is a house that feels both grounded in its site and carefully integrated into its surroundings.
The white stucco exterior is detailed with a subtle grid pattern, exposed tie holes and black metal floor to ceiling storefront windows
Mill Valley - Under Construction
Perched on a steep hillside, this custom residence was thoughtfully designed to embrace sweeping views of the San Francisco skyline and nearby Mount Tamalpais while responding elegantly to its dramatic setting.
A series of stacked living spaces rise naturally with the hillside, culminating in expansive, light-filled living and entertaining areas positioned at the home's highest level to capture panoramic vistas. A sculptural stair and elevator tower forms the home's vertical spine, creating a seamless connection between each floor. Private bedroom suites occupy the lower levels, while the primary suite enjoys its own elevated retreat, offering exceptional privacy and breathtaking views.
Rooted in the enduring Craftsman character of the neighborhood, the architecture reinterprets traditional forms through a refined contemporary lens. A canted stone base anchors the home to the hillside, while smooth stucco, warm horizontal wood siding, and a standing-seam metal roof create a timeless palette of natural materials. The result is a home that feels both grounded in its landscape and effortlessly modern - an elegant balance of architecture, craftsmanship, and place.
