After a five year search up and down the bay, the clients purchased this "shack with a view" on 2.7 acres in West Sonoma County. The 1,300 SF 1978 Sea Ranch inspired existing house had not been touched and the steeply sloping site was an open canvas with the exception of 8 majestic redwoods. 

Working through a 'forever house' program required multiple schematic design options (including a tear down) and eventually landed on remoding the house and adding a 750 SF pool house with all the adjacent amenities: infinity pool, sauna, teak hot tub, large outdoor entertainment space, bocce court, ping pong and a mediterranean inspired, fire resilient garden to tie it all together. 

Sustainable features include a net zero house powered by a 22 KW solar array with battery back up (the house is in a WUI zone and power grid shut down is common), radiant heating, mini split air conditioning in key spaces, reclaimed redwood decking and vertical grain doug fir (from northern CA), hybrid pool heater (choose between electric and gas heating options). The project is WUI compliant. 

The client LOVES basalt rip-rap - which was used extensively throughout the site for both decorative and functional uses: swales, retaining walls, sculptural features. We worked closely with Daniel Nolan to  weave a drought tolerant, sophisticated plant palette into a 1 acre garden paradise around the house. 

We worked with Saturn Construction to establish a Japandi Norcali vibe in the pool house (limestone and oak plank floors, rice hull plaster walls and reclaimed vertical grain doug fir cabinets and ceilings and extended that vibe into the main house while keeping the vintage spatial volumes. 

The project is in the last phase of construction (completion scheduled for summer 2025) and will include a music room, home office, and a Glenn Murcutt-inspired carport.