Project Complete

Located on the hilltop between two valleys, this two-story, contemporary, single-family home is designed to take advantage of incredible views while minimizing the visual impact from the road below.

The home is oriented primarily to frame particular views of the valleys to the east and west, which also allows the south-facing roof to host an optimized solar array and the north elevation to make use of large windows which provide indirect natural light.

Using sun studies the metal screens on the roof-top deck and Bris Soleil that overhang the doors on the south side are designed to precisely meter the amount of intense summer sun and allow for the low, cooler winter sun to extend deeper into the rooms.

The white, unadorned walls within are designed to host the client’s extensive collection of artwork, and also to treat windows with their views as artworks. The intentionally minimalist interior uses a paired-down material pallet to bring the focus outside. The entry way communicates directly to the pool on the south-side so that guests may drop off their belongings inside before continuing to the entertainment.

The three bedrooms on the lower floor also connect directly to the south-side so that guests who stay can treat their rooms as poolside cabanas. The motorized shades provide privacy.

The primary bedroom has an en-suite bathroom with curbless shower, also finished in contemporary, neutral materials. A second bathroom services the guest bedrooms on the other side of the house.

Returning to the entry and starting up the stairs will take you to the open-plan upper floor. A mezzanine level maximizes northern light from the ribbon of windows that stretch from the roof to the ground floor, which also lets the owners appreciate the full height of the tallest fir trees on the property. Large transom windows at the east and west ends of the room allow the morning and afternoon sunlight to fill the space. Adjacent to the mezzanine is an elevator connecting the two levels which will support the owners for years to come; behind it a powder room serves the upper floor.

The minimalist galley kitchen is finished in quarter-sawn cherry cabinets, stainless steel appliances and white polished counters, which from any angle reflect the nature through the windows. The kitchen connects to the rear east-facing deck that hosts a grill as well as a bistro table to enjoy a morning sunrise coffee moment overlooking the valley.

On the west side, a small TV area with large La Cantina doors open up to the roof-top deck, covered by the gable eave finished in cedar to reflect the brilliance of sunset colors. During parties the doors can be fully retracted and the furniture rearranged to provide an uninterrupted indoor-outdoor experience overlooking the valley bellow.