Project: The Phoenix House / Healdsburg Modern Home
Architecture: Feldman Architecture
Structural Engineer: GFDS Engineering
Builder: Cello & Maudru Construction
Location: Healdsburg, California, United States
Year: 2022
Photo Credits: Ema Peter
Perched atop a ridge in Healdsburg, California, The Phoenix rises as a powerful symbol of renewal. After losing their previous home to wildfire in 2017, the clients envisioned a fresh start—one that embraced both the beauty of the land and the lessons learned from the past. With panoramic views stretching across the valley to Mount Saint Helena, the site offered a unique opportunity to create a forward-thinking retreat grounded in sustainability, serenity, and spatial harmony.
A Home Shaped by Land and Light
The architecture unfolds as a series of elongated, stacked rectilinear volumes oriented east to west. These forms not only follow the site’s natural contours but also draw the eye toward carefully framed vistas. One of the design team’s most significant challenges was relocating the pool, which had originally been disconnected from the house on a steep slope. The new placement—now parallel to the home’s lower-level living areas—redefines the relationship between indoor and outdoor life, enhancing both accessibility and cohesion.
Inviting Entry and Public Living Spaces
The entryway offers a striking first impression: a glimpse of the infinity pool paired with sweeping views of forested hills. Inside, the open-concept kitchen and living area prioritize light and views. Expansive sliding glass doors dissolve the boundary between interior and exterior, while custom cabinetry adds warmth and refinement. A sculptural lighting installation, created in collaboration with studio DRIFT, floats between the dining and living zones—introducing motion and lightness into the home’s clean, modern aesthetic.
Layered Outdoor Living
Outdoor spaces are just as thoughtfully orchestrated. A trellised terrace links the main house to the pool house, offering a shaded zone for dining and lounging. Adjacent to this area, a gravel patio features an outdoor kitchen complete with a woodfired pizza oven—ideal for gatherings with friends and family. Raised vegetable beds along the northern façade reinforce a farm-to-table lifestyle, encouraging a connection to seasonal rhythms and fresh produce.
Private Retreats Above the Fog
The upper floor is anchored by a dramatic primary suite that seems to float above the rolling hills and coastal fog. Large windows frame the surrounding valleys, inviting the morning sun and golden hour light inside. A series of green roofs and a western-facing deck bring nature into the heart of the design, while additional bedrooms overlook landscaped courtyards and curated views below.
Furnishings, Wellness, and Sustainability
Interiors curated by Gaile Guevara Studio reflect the same care and intention seen throughout the architecture. Every detail—from finishes to furnishings—was selected from sustainable, health-conscious brands, reinforcing the home’s holistic design philosophy. Solar panels and green roofs minimize environmental impact, while supporting the family’s commitment to conscious living.
Surrounded by olive and fruit orchards, this Healdsburg modern home is more than a house—it is a deeply personal expression of resilience and reconnection. By intertwining indoor and outdoor life, elevating everyday experiences, and rooting itself in the natural world, this home exemplifies the transformative power of design in response to life’s most difficult moments.
The Phoenix tells a story of how thoughtful architecture can emerge from adversity to create a Healdsburg modern home that honors the land, nurtures well-being, and welcomes each new day with intention.
