Project: Modern Sustainability in Big Sur
Architects: Studio Schicketanz
Location: Big Sur, California, United States
Photo credits: Joe Fletcher Photography
Courtesy of Studio Schicketanz
Studio Schicketanz’s latest Net Zero project offers unforgettable views of the Pacific Ocean
By taking cues and inspiration from the surrounding landscape, Studio Schicketanz, led by Mary Ann Schicketanz, designed a breathtaking, sustainable home that literally blends into the hillside for a Silicon Valley-based family, their two daughters, and live-in parent, looking for a new lease on life. What was initially planned as a weekend getaway has, given the pandemic, turned into the ultimate quarantine escape, where they can enjoy the ocean front pool and views, a game room, a den, a large kitchen, and everything else that the special property has to offer.
Schicketanz and her team appointed the home with the finest products and finishes, including, but not limited to, pieces from Coup D’etat, Holly Hunt, Larsen, Moooi, Piet Boon, Miele, Brizio, B&B Italia, Tai Ping, Phillip Jeffries, Giorgetti, Pindler, Restoration Hardware, and Concrete Works. The pool features petrified wood stumps by Leos Enderle and Rodney Hunter, while the sculptural artwork of Eric Gushee and Casey McCafferty, as well as pieces by Silvia Poloto, are found throughout the home. Each of the beds, ottomans, book cases, and media cabinets were custom designed.
Material selections include local granite from Hollister, CA for the rock walls, integral plaster for the “cubes” placed in front of the rock walls, and Savannah Brown Duras flagstone to complement the wall stone and entry way connectors. The “shell” was kept in all neutral and earth tone colors, while the interior showcases accents of color from the custom blend mosaic walls and Venetian plaster accent walls.
In addition to the home’s luxe, high-end finishes and furnishings, and given its extreme location, the home is anticipated to achieve net zero due to power and hot water (for the pool) generation from solar panels and Tesla Power Walls, which will power the house when grid power is not available. The power produced onsite covers all of the power needs of the house, as well as charging for 2 EV vehicles.
