THE GEAR

HEAT | Mini-Split System

INSULATION | High-density Icynene

SOLAR | Solar Panel System

MATERIALS | Local + Recycled

LANDSCAPING | Native Planting

CLIENT

Our clients, Olena and Fred, selected a hillside community with miles of lake and mountain views for their retirement home. They wanted the house of their dreams to have distinctive spaces spanning multiple levels but also prioritized ease of movement throughout the vertical space. Accessible outdoor living areas and a vegetable garden were some of our clients’ wishes. The kitchen area and eating nook — spaces regularly used as a "family" gathering space — were created to intake a constant flood of natural light and lake views. The main living spaces are fluidly connected and a dramatic wood and glass staircase takes you from the glass foyer to the upper levels. A spa-like master bathroom overlooks the Lake Sherwood and has access to a private ground level patio.

SITE

Heavily sloped - a 25 foot rise from the street level to the entry level - this site located in Southern California, called for a multi-level home with terraced foundation and several poured-in-place concrete retaining walls. The site’s natural lack of vegetation required intelligent selection of ground cover to stabilize the topsoil. Accessing the site was another major design challenge. The new sweeping and steep driveway met the minimum requirements for fire department turnaround and emergency access at entry level.

ENVIRONMENT

The home sits on a west-facing slope, encompassing the panoramic views of Lake Sherwood in the hot, dry climate of Southern California. To combat the afternoon heat, while also taking in the view, the west-facing terraced patios sit beneath long overhangs which balance sun and shade and give the home a dramatic modern look. Cross-ventilation was another tool employed to help dampen the heat of year-round sun. As with many parts of California, this location comes with a heightened risk of fire, so TDA selected fire-retardant materials, Zinc metal fascia, white stucco walls and roof underside cement panels for the exterior of the home.