Tucked away in the less populous region of Napa’s wine country, Glen Ellen, California, Faulkner Architects presents a distinctive architectural marvel, the Big Barn. This barn house serves as an idyllic retreat that beautifully merges rusticity and sophistication.
Echoing the area’s rich agricultural heritage, the Big Barn is a 3,900-square-foot residence (approx. 362 square meters) that encapsulates the elegance of country living just an hour away from bustling San Francisco. This two-story creation, shaped from an original 1950s ranch house, ingeniously blends the vocabularies of barns and homes, with the landscape’s rolling hills and oak tree groves providing a picturesque backdrop. Adorned with full-height ventilation shutters, an asymmetrical gabled roof, and steel sash glazing, the Big Barn is a testament to harmonious design that respects both the natural environment and the region’s historical context.
Immerse yourself in the essence of minimalist, contemporary design with The Sanctuary, an architectural gem nestled in Palo Alto, California. This exquisite house, designed by Feldman Architecture in 2018, encapsulates the homeowners’ desire for a tranquil urban refuge, effortlessly blending its indoor and outdoor spaces.
Infused with character through board-formed concrete walls, diffused natural light, and Alaskan yellow cedar, The Sanctuary stands as a testament to sustainable, stylish, and comfortable living in an urban setting.
Nestled into the slopes of Truckee, California, Lookout House is a stunning masterpiece of modern architecture by Faulkner Architects. This unique mountain house has been thoughtfully designed to embrace the volcanic history of the region, situated at the base of a three-million-year-old volcano, and offering panoramic views of the Martis Valley.
Drawing inspiration from its surrounding landscape – ancient volcanic sediment, colossal boulders, and second-growth Jeffrey Pine and White Fir trees – this chalet seamlessly integrates with its mountainous terrain, creating a constant reference to the perpendicular horizon. Inside, the design boasts insulated concrete walls, volcanic basalt floors, and walnut detailing, presenting a tonality that allows the breathtaking exterior to take center stage. Infused with innovative sustainability features, the Lookout House illustrates a perfect fusion of design, functionality, and environmental consciousness, providing a refuge that is as beautiful as it is enduring.
Nestled in the heart of San Francisco, the Cole Valley Residence is a testament to the ingenuity of Dumican Mosey Architects. This contemporary luxury house, designed in 2016, embraces the challenges of its unique location – a small, steep, and oddly-shaped lot in the Cole Valley neighborhood.
The architects’ vision transcended these obstacles, resulting in a mini-residential tower that delights with expansive views of the city and the Pacific Ocean. The design features five floors and a rooftop deck, with living spaces situated on the upper levels to maximize the stunning vistas. Each level, including the garage, is skinned in floor-to-ceiling glass, creating a dynamic model of efficiency and transparency for vertical living.
Cozy Home designed by Feldman Architecture in collaboration with Tristan Warren, is a contemporary single family house situated in Mill Valley, California.
Composed of three pavilions connected by a series of glass hallways, the Laurel Hills Residence designed by Assembledge+ seeks to create a residential oasis in the heart of Los Angeles.
