14.3.2018
Spring Ranch
Located on a thriving walnut farm in Central Valley, this family retreat strikes a balance between privacy and openness.
From the base of a large hill, the house opens up to eastward views of rolling hills along the San Andreas Fault. Three long, gently arcing rammed earth walls anchor both the indoor and outdoor spaces to the site. The design pairs a bunk room and two private guest suites connected by a catwalk with expansive communal living and cooking areas, which open eastward towards views of the countryside. Throughout the home, a palette of wood, glass, steel, and stone compliments the bold texture of the rammed earth walls that hug the contours of the landscape. The house achieves LEED Gold performance through passive heating and cooling, alternative energy, sustainably-harvested materials, and drought-tolerant landscape design.
The House achieves LEED Gold performance through passive heating and cooling, alternative energy, sustainably-harvested materials, and drought-tolerant landscape design. Site-generated geothermal energy runs the home’s radiant heating and cooling system, while solar thermal and photovoltaic arrays power the net-zero home. Solar orientation optimizes southeast glazing to warm concrete flooring and earthen walls. Roof overhangs and external shades moderate light and heat throughout the summer months.
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