WOODS RESIDENCE

Coarsegold, California    1994

Solar considerations and site alignments organize a detailed set of programmatic requirements within a limited budget for this small house.  

Granite outcroppings astride a narrow ravine provide a limited building footprint in a fire-prone area.  Adjoining neighbors share a lake view through the property.  

The solution invites rock boulders into the fabric of the home and utilizes inexpensive fireproof materials of glass, copper, and asphalt roofing shingles for low maintenance, while situating height of the structure to conserve uninterrupted sight lines.  Physically, the design of the house is an effective response to environmental and economic considerations, one that produces integrity of function through efficient expression of form.

The composition refers throughout to the lifelong interest of the client in being outdoors.  The floating effect of glass walls gives a predominant sense of openness to the surrounding woods.  Clerestories and skylights overhead admit the constantly shifting light of sun, moon, and stars throughout the structure.  

Raw boulders mark the entrance, adjoining a small reflection pool partly within and partly outside the structure that further mediates the separation of enclosure.  

Fallen leaves resting on glass surfaces overhead shadow the floor, completing the psychological integration of mind with the forest.