Site: semi-rural
A heavily-wooded one-acre lot in a semi-desert climate.

Design Objectives: nature, light, sustainability
The owners of this semi-rural lot wanted a home that related to its wooded natural setting, had an open, light-filled plan, and utilized sustainable materials. As martial arts enthusiasts, they observe a simple, almost "Japanese" form of living and wanted the house to reflect that. Open spaces with few walls and a strong connection to the outdoors were highly desirable. The use of sustainable materials, the manageable size of the house, and passive heating and cooling fit their concept of a simpler style of home.

Solution: simplicity, openness, not-so-big
The use of the breezeway separates the main, more public side of the house from the private master bedroom. Upon entering the house through the breezeway, the visitor is in the main area of the house and completely perceives the living space, kitchen, and dining area. A partial wall provides visual separation between the main area and a home office.

The southern facade is almost entirely glazed. As a result the house is intimately connected with the trees, the lot, and the sky beyond. In this house, it would be impossible to ask "what's it like outside today?" The house reflects the outside environment from everywhere inside.

Walking through the breezeway, one enters the master bedroom. Physically and acoustically it is completely private from the rest of the house, but remains as connected to the outdoors as the main part of the house. The master bath continues the simple feel of the house - no door separating it from the bedroom, simple strong materials (wood cabinetry and stone flooring), and a Japanese soaking tub. This bedroom is a haven in the woods!

The existing separate garage is being converted to a dojo (martial arts gym). When complete, the home will function as a complete living, working, and lifestyle residence.

With its single level plan, the owners intend to live in this home into their retirement.

Contractor
Catanzaro Construction (contact Gary Catanzaro) 707.451.4560

download project booklet (872k PDF file) - recommend viewing in "facing page" mode of Acrobat Viewer

See this project's spread (2.6 Mb PD file) in Modern Cabin, the 2007 book by Michelle Kodis, published by Gibbs-Smith

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