A River Runs Through It

This project is located in a ravine where 35 acres of water seasonally flow through the site. The property owner wanted us to incorporate an existing stone waterfall and flagstone patio and have the water seasonally flowing through the ravine be an integral part of the design. So we designed an extensive subsurface drainage system and tailored the design of the home above it. The design is art-centric and incorporates both contemporary and traditional elements which are emblematic of our architectural style. Featuring exposed steel beams, clean interior vaulted spaces and a cupola where the indoors and outdoors are integrally woven together, this new home is more than just a house with four walls and a roof … it is an experience.

The house is art-centric meaning that we designed it specifically for art to not only be displayed and appreciated but also for the house to be a work of art in itself. In order to do that we had to remove the pedestrian elements of typical residential design (8’ flat ceilings, small punched windows, etc.) and incorporate vaulted spaces with oversized windows looking out onto the landscape.

Another key ingredient to our style are spacious interiors that enhance the spirit and nurture the soul. In this case we specified sealed Cedar for the vaulted ceiling to harmonize with the natural surroundings. The satin finish harmonizes the ceiling with the structural steel beams and the white interior walls allow the ceiling to take center stage along with the views to the landscaping.

To top it off (literally) we incorporated a cupola that not only allows for the eye to elevate further up into the space but also acts like a beacon at the exterior solving the problem of not being able to see the house from the street.

The latter topic is important because one of the reasons why the original house was lost in the Tubbs Fire was that the fire fighters did not know there was a house in the ravine because the original house could not be seen from the road. Problem solved.

The other key ingredient to our style is the indoor/outdoor connection. The waterfall (to the left side of the photo) is now an integral part of the interior and can be viewed not only from the main great room but from the mezzanine as well. The guest bedroom/office also has a view of the waterfall making it even more of a universal focal point.

The variety of window sizes delicately frame the landscaping like artwork … further integrating the house and nature. And no matter where you are in the house there is a wonderful view.

As architects and designers we not only enjoy the front end design process but also the back end construction process as well. Seeing our projects come to life is a treat that allows us to knit our design theories with practice so that we know that any tradesperson can build to our designs.

Since the front end design is often esoteric and infrequently allows for thorough presentation of our designs we included a walk-through of the house via Vimeo

Rebuilding A Home - 2020

A River Runs Through It