Architects: Sagan Piechota Architecture
Project: Modern Two Story Family Home
Location: Carmel Valley, California, United States
Architects in Charge: Daniel Piechota, Cameron Helland
Area: 5100.0 ft2
Photography: Joe Fletcher
This custom designed private residence is situated within the Santa Lucia Preserve of Carmel Valley, California. The simple form of the house is complemented by the sculptural trunks of a live oak woodland.
The Architect’s overriding intention for this modern two story family home centered on achieving an intimate connection between the ‘L’ shaped residence and its setting within a rolling hillside clearing.
Siting the home carefully amidst old growth oaks and framing views architecturally, the connection to nature is reflected by an abundance of vistas that capture the rolling hills, wild life, and broad valley views from almost every aspect of the house, connecting the inner and outer environments seamlessly.
Outdoor spaces engage the hillside on all sides, creating gathering spaces and distinct view portals. The west court is an artful composition of stone and water, with the native meadow on the hillside as a visual backdrop and dynamic seasonal canvas. The architectural forms and visual simplicity of the native site lead us toward a restrained hardscape and plant palette.
Entrance to the home is achieved beneath an enclosed 2nd-story bridge that connects the Main Living areas to the Master Suite. The compressed stair sequence travels under the “bridge” upward revealing a sunny courtyard adjacent to the Main Residence, separate Guest Wing, and outdoor living spaces.
Materials such as concrete, weathered steel, and natural cedar mirror the site’s native textural and color palette while floor-to-ceiling glass completes the building envelope, connecting the tree canopy to the landscape.
Details include: Solar roof, High efficiency plumbing, LED lighting throughout and Operable window coverings for cooling management. P In order to create the desired “Indoor/Outdoor Living experience” within the home, floor to ceiling glass required special production, installation and engineering. Fleetwood provided an excellent product.
