About

Hillsborough Estate.

Blurring boundaries between inside and out

Title:: Hillsborough Estate
Architect:: William Duff Architects
Category:: Residential/; Renovations and Extensions
Building style:: Modern
Client:: Confidential

Balancing refined design with everyday livability for a modern Hillsborough estate.

Modern Hillsborough Estate is a ground-up residence set on a prominent corner lot in Hillsborough, replacing a small, constrained home with a refined, contemporary retreat, reworking massing, circulation, and site relationships to better connect with its setting. Defined by clean lines, flat roofs, and expansive glazing, the redesigned two-story home balances architectural clarity with warmth and livability. Natural coursed limestone, wood rainscreen cladding, and metal accents create a rich, layered material palette. At the heart of the home, a spacious family kitchen is complemented by a separate catering kitchen, supporting both everyday life and large-scale entertaining. Indoor-outdoor living spaces open to a reimagined pool and lounge area, while a pergola-shaded breezeway links the main residence to a detached guest house and family gym, completing a cohesive, modern compound.

Credits /

Structural Engineer: Holmes
MEP Engineers: Axiom
Landscape Designer: Terra Ferma
Geotechnical Engineer: Lea & Braze

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William Duff ArchitectsArchitects

William Duff Architects

Architects

San Francisco, San Francisco, California

wdarch.com

William Duff Architects. William Duff Architects (WDA) designs thoughtful, timeless architecture shaped by clarity, craftsmanship, and a deep connection to place. Founded in San Francisco, the firm works with clients across diverse regions to create enduring residential and hospitality environments tailored to each client’s story and vision. Their work responds to context with an artist’s sensibility—knowing when restraint strengthens a design and when expression brings it to life. With capabilities across multiple sectors, the firm is particularly recognized for its design leadership in high-end residential and hospitality environments. Backed by deep technical expertise and disciplined project management, WDA approaches every project as a collaborative partnership—prioritizing service, communication, and thoughtful execution from concept through completion.