# Trapezoidal Family Mansions This Family Estate Makes Privacy a Priority By Vasiliki Marapas | Published 2014-10-28 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/family-estate References: [contemporist](http://www.contemporist.com/2014/10/25/ara-residence-by-swatt-miers-architects/) & [swattmiers](http://www.swattmiers.com/) Swatt Miers Architects have designed the 'ARA Residence,' an idyllic family estate located in Atherton, California. The beautiful site is bordered by oak, cedar, walnut, pine and birch trees, as well as by hedges that span 20-feet in length, offering the inhabitants total privacy from neighboring eyes. A private driveway and walkway enhances the sense of privacy. The architects designed the building to be shaped like a trapezoid, and angled at 30 degrees off of the lot's orthogonal grid. The purpose of this unconventional design strategy was to increase the space within the home. The home features outdoor rooms that encourage social interaction and family living; they stretch into terraces, gardens and, of course, the swimming pool. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.7/10 - Popularity: 21% | Activity: 22% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Privacy-focused Architecture:** The trend of designing private real estate in which the location and landscape are central to privacy and comfort. - **Unconventional Building Design:** The trend of experimenting with new design methods to increase interior spaces and create unique outdoor areas. - **Outdoor Living Spaces:** The trend of designing outdoor spaces that provide functional areas for activities such as family living, social interaction and relaxation. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Architecture:** Architects have an opportunity to design buildings that prioritize privacy and comfort while still being in tune with the natural surroundings of a property. - **Real Estate:** Builders and developers can offer unique and innovative building solutions and designs for homeowners who prioritize privacy and outdoor living spaces. - **Landscape Design:** Landscape designers have an opportunity to create functional, beautiful outdoor living spaces that blend seamlessly with the architecture of unconventional design buildings. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Trapezoidal Concrete Forest Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ksa-studen.md) - [Charming Angular Contemporary Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trapezium-house.md) - [Trapezoidal Coastal Beach Houses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dreal-house.md) - [Gabled Split Trapezoidal Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/casa-trapzios.md) - [Moat-Edge Family Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-antriya-house.md) - [Privacy-Focused Australian Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clifton-house.md) - [Swiss Army Knife-Resembling Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crest-guesthouse.md) - [Tranquil Courtyard Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cupertino-courtyard-house.md) - [Terraced Garden-Surrounded Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lechuza-house.md)