Cascading down a hillside in an olive grove in Sonoma, California, this 850 sq.ft. home is a study of volumes and the materials that form them. It was designed by Cooper Joseph Studio to be constructed and to reside in partnership with nature and the scientist owners’ agricultural projects which include olives and olive oil and bee keeping.
This small house is oriented to capture the expansive vistas and the soft light of the north through full height glass. While the street level entrance and east and west sides are introverted and protected from intense sun. At the entrance horizontal redwood screens provide shading and privacy. Zinc covered walls are meticulously detailed for a reflective horizontal rhythm with a subtle vertical joint accent on the side walls.
A 30-foot high central concrete wall is the stabilizing force of all the forms that spring from it. At the highest level, the entry patio hugs the lavender field that surrounds it. Inside the main bedroom suite takes the west side of the concrete wall. With a corner window to the southwest and a private covered terrace to the north, it is an isolated quiet retreat. The main suite’s bath mirrors reflect the tree lined hill side.
Anchoring the opposite side of the tall concrete wall and just steps down, the kitchen rests like a loft over the living area below. In the center of the modern home, it takes full advantage of the natural northern light and a deep protruding window on the east. The living area at the lowest level is two levels tall and spills on to the last of five terraces. The perfectly executed interplay of mass and lightness, open and closed create a sense of volume that could have easily been missed in a small structure.
Architects: Cooper Joseph Studio
Photography: Elliott Kaufman
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