Owl House and Red Hill Studio

A couple of graphic artists left the suburbs to live and learn about seasonal shifts and natural processes on seven acres of pastureland.

The main house is separated by a walk through oaks and grasses to the ADU. Each dwelling responds differently to the site characteristics and fire resilient materiality. Both homes are all electric, powered by the sun.

Owl House: Planted into a grassy bowl lived an old bay tree among outcroppings, a grove of blue oak, and a new one-bedroom house. The orientation, tilt and alignment were informed by the natural contours, sun, wind and views, halting at the old Olompali fence, once home to a Miwok tribe. A discreet entry wrapped in cedar opens into the interior butterfly volume. Looking up the mountain and down the meadow through twelve foot windows along the entire south face connects every space to the changing seasons in the grasslands. Furthering the quietude in the landscape is the Coreten cladding and dropping the finished floor into the hillside.

Red Hill Studio: A one room ADU flexes with the needs of the day. On the site of an old farm-worker house, Red Hill Studio was positioned to build within the disturbed area and preserve nearby mature oaks. By turning a quiet face to the busy road, the patio is sheltered from noise and coastal winds. Establishing friendly relations with trees, grass and sun, the architecture blends precise detailing with a farmer’s eye towards simple form and materials.

Awards:
Owl House - AIA California Residential Design Award and AIA Redwood Empire Honor Award.
Red Hill Studio - AIA Redwood Empire Honor Award