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Far-sighted from Home & Architectural Trends volume 2606
It makes sense that a vacation home is set in a breathtaking location. Similarly, it is logical that the design of the house will appreciate that environment at every turn.
This wood and stucco house, designed by architect Robert Swatt of Swatt Miers, sits on a hill overlooking a rustic valley.
"The design follows the contours of the land – a long ridge, with the hill falling away gently in front and dropping more dramatically to the left and right," says Swatt. "The house appears to climb and crown the ridge, with two congruent wings at ground level and a master suite set back on the upper level."
The connected wings are offset, and protrude at different ends of the house. This stepped form creates an entry courtyard at one corner and open-air terraces outside the kitchen on the opposite corner.
Besides wanting a home that would blend with the landscape, the owners requested it be flooded with light and optimize views of the scenery.
"From the entrance, you can look right through the residence," says Swatt.
"The eye is drawn past the living spaces and kitchen, through bifold doors to the 50ft pool at the rear, which visually extends the linear design," Swatt says.
In the ground-level living areas, walls of glass slide open to the surroundings on three sides – out to a terrace with a fire pit in one direction, and to the pool in another.
While the double-height living spaces and kitchen make up the public wing, the wing behind is dedicated to the children's bedrooms and a guest bedroom.
"A single-sided corridor serves the rear wing," says Swatt. "Lined with ribbon windows, this offers more light and air than a hallway with bedrooms on both sides. An open stairway and bridge to the master suite add to the sense of openness.
"Views stretch out from every angle, across all the rooms of this home."
The Douglas fir structural elements are left exposed and celebrated as a feature of the interior, and function to accentuate the viewing corridors. Wood supporting beams are highlighted against crisp white wall paneling or are extended from the outside to the inside, lengthways and across the residence.
The material palette augments the connection to the environment. An extensive use of cedar boards for soffits and overhangs – and wood floors upstairs – is complemented by limestone tiles on the ground-level floors.
Windows reflect a similar attention to materials. These are silvery on the outside to subtly contrast the exterior stucco and finished with Douglas fir on the inside to match the interiors.
Energy efficiency is only to be expected in a home designed to respect the natural world. Bifold glass doors and a multitude of windows provide cross ventilation and the home's many overhangs ensure adroit control over solar penetration.
"The home has several green attributes, which are mostly tucked out of sight – for example, the 3.4kW photovoltaic system is unseen, because it is on the flat roof," says Swatt. "Water is supplied by a well and there is a septic system, so the house is entirely off the grid.
"In addition, low-VOC paints were used throughout and the vertical-grain Douglas fir used in the windows and doors is Forest Stewardship Council-approved – ensuring it has been sustainably grown and harvested."
The long, slim building also features efficient underfloor heating.
"From the terrain-hugging design, use of natural, sustainable materials and extensive glazing to its energy-efficient heart, the house presents a tribute to the unspoiled environment that surrounds it."
The pool reflection emphasizes the linear nature of this vacation house, built in an idyllic woodland setting. Two wings at ground level are offset from each other. The upper level contains the master suite – a generous balcony provides shady overhangs for the level below.
Western red cedar siding and stucco that never needs painting are features of the exterior.
Exposed structural beams convey a sense of how the house was constructed. Architect of the house Robert Swatt also designed the feature walnut dining table.
Bifold doors and a deep overhang in the kitchen area mean it can extend into the outdoor space. The white island countertop matches the ceiling and wall panels.
From the front door on the left to the open stairwell and upstairs bridge, all aspects of the design are intended to carry the eye through the house or out to the scenery. The bannisters tone with the exterior stucco.
The central living area is a few steps down from the rest of the level. This, combined with the double-height ceiling, creates an impressive space.
Although the residence is on the top of a hill, very little earth was moved and only one tree was felled to make way for its construction. This contributed to the overall green ethos. Glimpses of the wood ceiling can be appreciated on the approach to the front door.
Bifold doors mean views can be enjoyed across the interiors. The dining area can be seen from the front deck.
Credit List
Architect
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Robert Swatt, FAIA,
Swatt | Miers Architects (Emeryville, CA)
Siding
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Western red cedar solid boards, finished with Sikkens Log and Siding in Natural Light color
Doors and windows
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Jeld-Wen Windows and Doors, exterior finish in metal, interior in Douglas Fir
Lighting
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Elite recessed downlights; Halo track lights; Bocci pendant in dining room
Heating
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Hydronic radiant heating, installed by Warm Zone
Kitchen cabinetry
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Custom cabinets in maple, plain-sawn veneer with natural finish by City Cabinetmakers
Faucets
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Hansgrohe chrome; Supergrif
Story by Charles Moxham
Photography by Russell Abraham
This California home was designed by Robert Swatt of Swatt / Miers Architects. The kitchen features a Viking Oven and Cooktop
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