Townhomes 2.0 are reshaping infill projects, and the Alan Row development in Cupertino, Calif., illustrates how luxury and neighborhood fit can coexist on a modest lot.
Design that respects the corner
Located at a busy intersection where two major thoroughfares meet, the nine‑unit project replaces a former parking lot and an aging liquor store. Principal architect Jaime Matheron of Dahlin Architecture said the team aimed to blend the new homes with the existing single‑family fabric.
The solution is a three‑story townhouse layout that introduces medium‑density housing without overwhelming the streetscape. Ground‑level units feature rear‑loaded two‑car garages and a bedroom suite, while the second floor houses an open‑plan living area, a secondary bedroom and a shared bath.
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Above that, the primary suite includes a covered deck, and a second bedroom suite occupies the top level. The design incorporates a private lane and layered landscaping to buffer the homes from rear property lines.
Materials and details that soften the mass
Each side of the building receives the same level of finish, a move that makes the rear elevations as attractive as the front. “The detail on all four sides creates rich character for these homes, plus the variety of materials we used breaks up the massing into smaller pieces,” Matheron explained.
Corner‑wrapping windows, glass‑railed staircases and natural‑wood accents give interiors a bright, airy feel. Large panes carry a bird‑safe coating, and solar panels, multizone climate control and other efficiency measures keep operating costs low.
Despite the compact footprint, the homes feel oddly spacious; the design tricks the eye with layered planes and generous outdoor decks.
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Community response and market impact
Neighborhood opposition often hinders infill projects, but nearby residents supported the replacement of the old structures. The development’s public art, pedestrian pathways, bike lanes and traffic‑calming measures were integrated to align with the surrounding area.
According to the project team, “These homes sold out quickly because we provided something people wanted in a supply‑constrained market.” All units were priced starting at $2.2 million, and each spans 2,501 sf with four bedrooms and four bathrooms.
The project earned the Gold Award for Best Attached Homes/Townhouses Built for Sale in the 2025 Best in American Living Awards.
