THE GEAR

HEAT | R-Value 55 Closed-Cell Insulation

SOLAR | Net-Zero System

STRUCTURES | Structurally Insulated Panels

MATERIALS | Local + Life-Cycle Analysis

LANDSCAPING | Xeriscaping

CLIENT

The winemakers of this property, bought from an old friend to build his acres of vineyards and a new house at the top of the site. They requested the home to be modern, take advantage of the views and of course being on a ranch to respect the vernacular. Every good winemaker of course requires a spectacular personal wine room, the “James Bond” fireplace, and a vegetable garden adjacent to the kitchen area. A great bond between the owners and TDA on this project curated fine details from the design, finishes that are durable and comfortable along with all furnishing and placement.

SITE

Approaching the home through the estate’s vineyard, you see a hint of a floating roof plane - quite a contrast to the delicate rows of grapes lining the sites steep undulated terrain. Tilting with the steep hillside, the double roof gives the exterior a sense of motion, as if it were flexible, sculpted onto the hillside. The sloped hillside enforced greater attention towards engineering, foundation and placement of the home on the site. Arriving at the top of property one notices the detailed finish materials, carefully patterned grey cement board panel siding, with white stucco and cedar board siding accents. The standing-seam metal roof was selected for its properties of fire prevention. The home was landscaped with native plants allowing less water usage while also creating areas for wind protection.

ENVIRONMENT

The building angle situates the home for optimum view and solar orientation - important for the design’s energy efficiency and sustainability goals. The nine foot overhang, supported by wood and steel cantilevered trusses, limits the direct daytime sun and evening on the 28 foot-wide glass window wall and sliding door system. It also frames the panoramic landscape views over the home’s infinity pool edge. A long overhang (9.5ft) for western exposure with low slope was developed for wind directive along with long lasting materials like tempered Ash hardwood decking known for its durability in all environments and its long life of maintenance-free use.