Houzz Tour: A California Home Designed by Nature
Bay Area's WA Design creates a stunning hillside home inspired by its unique building site
Staff Writer, Houzz.com
Staff Writer, Houzz.com More »
While many homes today are designed with their surrounding atmosphere in mind, most constructions require knocking down trees or leveling out hillsides — at least to some extent. But for this woodland site in the Santa Cruz Mountains, preserving the heritage oaks and winding creek was an absolute must.
The clients hired David Wilson and his team at WA Design to build a home that was inspired by the site's complex building footprint. To preserve the dense oak canopies, Wilson and his team built the house as a series of smaller pavilions, connected by glassed-in walkways. All of these structures twist and wind through the intricate oak grove. Not only does the home preserve the integrity of the site, but multiple aspects of the design also enhance the presence of the trees and the shape of the creek into the home's exterior and interior.
The clients hired David Wilson and his team at WA Design to build a home that was inspired by the site's complex building footprint. To preserve the dense oak canopies, Wilson and his team built the house as a series of smaller pavilions, connected by glassed-in walkways. All of these structures twist and wind through the intricate oak grove. Not only does the home preserve the integrity of the site, but multiple aspects of the design also enhance the presence of the trees and the shape of the creek into the home's exterior and interior.
| Wilson used a palette of natural stones, metals, and dark woods in the kitchen. This dramatic and earthy palette is echoed throughout the house. The kitchen countertops are made of soapstone, and the cabinetry is custom made from sapele, an African tree reminiscent of mahogany. Wilson and his team installed a drop bronze soffit on the ceiling. Lighting and skylights make the metal glow throughout the day and night. Private Comment
The dark blue curved wall to the left was designed to separate the entry hall from the rest of the space. Wilson allowed the curve to extend into the floor, allowing it to continue separating the two spaces. |
| This structure is one of five pavilions on the property — guest and pool house, kitchen and family room, living and dining room, and bedroom area. Each of these vaulted-roof structures are connected through various flat roof volumes. This particular pavilion contains the family room and the kitchen. The pool is visible just outside of the family room's sliding glass doors, beyond a series of dramatic custom lighting — a bold contrast with the warm bronze soffit. Private Comment
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| A living room and dining area are combined in another connected pavilion. An artistic chandelier hangs over a natural cut wood table. A small living room with a stone fireplace sits just around the corner. Private Comment
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A small wine cellar lies just beyond the edge of the dining table. Another curved bronze soffit hangs from this pavilion's ceiling. The curved shape and shaded effect is meant to echo the oak canopies outside. The bronze reflects the exterior gardens during the day and adds a warm glow at night.
Private Comment
The master bedroom is located in the upstairs of another pavilion. Large custom wood windows give the room a treehouse feel. Wilson and his team wanted the home to combine a complex palette of materials and details, which is evident in the blend of the bronze fireplace, white walls, and wood windows in this room.
Private Comment
| The master bathroom continues the theme of dramatic curved forms in the home's interior. This dark oval shape houses the closet for the master suite. Private Comment
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WA Design also created a unique freestanding staircase with glass treads, which sits inside the center of the home's main pavilion. "We wanted to incorporate fluidity into as many elements of this home as possible," says Wilson. "These clients were very engaged and really pushed us out of my comfort zone, which resulted in many unique elements."
Private Comment
| White cement panel siding was chosen as a bright contrast to the deep shade under the dense oak canopy. Zinc standing-seam roofing was installed on each of the pavilion's curved roofs. "This home is very contemporary," says Wilson, "But we also incorporated elegant and refined detailing throughout the design." Private Comment
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| The pool, pool house, and patio are all situated on a slight slope. A set of stairs from the pool level flows down the slope and hits the grass playing field. Multiple courtyards and outdoor spaces connect the home's pavilions with the landscape. One of the glass walkways connecting the kitchen pavilion and the dining pavilion is visible in this shot. Together, the home's five pavilions offer 7,000 square feet of living space. Private Comment
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| Wilson and his team at WA Design also designed the landscaping on this site. The main goal was to create a low-maintenance look using as many native Californian plants as possible. In the end, the design evolved as a combination of many different grass types, which echoed the feel of the hillside site prior to construction. Private Comment
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| The grassy field from the prior shot is bordered by a curving granite walkway that mimics the edge of the creek bed. This stunning sculpture patio lies at the end of the path. Wilson designed this sculpture himself, lining up steel rods to echo the shape of the creek. Since the creek isn't really visible from most of the property, Wilson and his team really wanted to enhance its presence through the home's landscape. Private Comment
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Comments
Kevcom says:
It's a shame that contemporary architecture has gotten so far away from people that they would regard curved steel walls and roofs as being "natural". This place feels like a postmodern warehouse.
6 months ago ·
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janet4784 says:
A 7000 sq. ft. house is in no way, shape, or form friendly to its environment. It's a wasteful example of ego.
6 months ago ·
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michalmish says:
hideous. cold. as far away from nature as possible.
all about show off.
it feels offensive for me as a humen being.
i would'nt be able stay there for more then few minuts.
all about show off.
it feels offensive for me as a humen being.
i would'nt be able stay there for more then few minuts.
6 months ago ·
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Nava Slavin says:
absolutly Fabulous David, Look up www.RandyScottSlavin for huge alternative photography for your projects.
6 months ago ·
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Jean Raymond says:
I love the lines and materials. Fabulous outdoor spaces as well. I do not think it is "cold" as others say. One can warm it up with their own choice of art, pillows, rugs, etc. It is a perfect backdrop for anyone's imagination that is sophisticated to begin with.
6 months ago ·
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haini says:
The houzz editors have really lost their anchors-where is the NATURE? I love contemporary but call it by its name - a NATURE-DESTROYING, POST-APOCALYPTIC, COLD-AS-OUTER-SPACE building.
6 months ago ·
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Julie Earnest says:
Beautiful! Interesting how this evokes such dramatic reactions from people.....I say "bravo" !
6 months ago ·
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Dressing the Home says:
Although the stone and wood are organic, the addition of so many smooth, hard surfaces, steel, concrete block and the repetition of straight and intersecting lines seems out of place with the curves. This structure was obviously designed by an architect who does commercial buildings. If this is what the owners wanted; however, who are we to judge? I would have to agree that a natural feel is not accomplished by simply adding curved shapes when the curved shapes are formed by steel rods.
6 months ago ·
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keiks says:
Agree with mrslim. There are some great parts, but overall I'm not loving it.
6 months ago ·
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designchallenged says:
instead of "designed by nature" i would call it "designed despite nature." nothing in the house looks "natural." not my cup of tea.
6 months ago ·
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sefac says:
A McMansion of the modernist vein. The stark white exterior walls radiate a defiance to their surroundings. A home far more appropriate to Marina Del Rey or Venice California than its current location.
6 months ago ·
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nictrem says:
Light and airy, "pretty" like a work of art but cozy? Homey? Not at all. Gorgeous to look at but sure wouldn't want to live in it. As for being built by nature? It's far too industrial and geometric to resemble anything created by nature. The huge windows allow nature in and the dining room table is organic, other than that, more palatial than natural. Ironic that such a monolith used a lot of natural resources and space is giving a nod to nature.
6 months ago ·
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wandm says:
I like it lot, I would love to stay there. I would like to know where in the Santa Cruz mountains it's located. Looks more like the Los Gatos or Saratoga area than the ocean side of the mountains.
6 months ago ·
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CAROLE MEYER says:
I think this home is beautiful and so unique. I agree it may not look so very natural, but the way they worked the design around the trees by connected glassed-in walkways not only saves the trees but makes for interesting design. Love it! Carole
6 months ago ·
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Noel Cross+Architects says:
Many are so quick to judge. Perhaps the "Designed By Nature" headline is a stretch (the editor's idea), but if the slide show included a site plan view showing the nearby creek, and how many trees actually were saved by the building placement, then the "story" would have been better illustrated. And, the photos do hint at the architect's attempt to "let nature in" by providing large expanses of glass to take advantage of views, trees, etc. (last time I checked trees and views occur naturally). Materials choices and forms are so personal, and may not be my exact taste either, but ultimately only the client really needs to be happy with them. Is a log cabin in this woodsy setting the only solution that makes anyone happy? While I would have made a few different material choices, that doesn't mean modern/contemporary architecture is not a valid solution. I think they did so many things right, it seems frivolous to quibble about the details and throw the baby out with the bathwater.
6 months ago ·
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jadezoe says:
The scale of the interior spaces is excellent, but there is a feeling of an "over cooked design" , the blending of all the different materials feels forced.
They lost me at the staircase .
They lost me at the staircase .
6 months ago ·
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Frank Salinas says:
This place is ugly and vain in the extreme. These people have much more money than taste.
6 months ago ·
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Debra Lane says:
love it! Different aesthetics appeal to different people. I look at the modern lines and beautiful finishes and feel Zen, calming and a nice place to wind down.
6 months ago ·
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gwen mckay says:
How in any way shape or form is this nature??? i am lost with this bizzarre home as well as that hideous cring-worthy shower!!! nice kitchen though
6 months ago ·
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Art and Hammer says:
I love it. exiting, brave, imaginary. exellent work and level as the architecture should be.
6 months ago ·
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nn69 says:
oddly enough my husband and i are currently builting a large curved roof house. (boy did some of the negative comments make me anxious!) The curved roof is something that one can not get the effect of form photos... so it's hard for me to image that you can give a fair assesment of the space. I agree with the quote about the glass stairs pushing beyond ones comfort zone; but surface matieral choices in the kitchen and living room and bedroom are quite nice and with beatuful clean lines and open spaces. I would really like a warmer looking floor (like hard wood); as well as a warmer look to the exterior. But well worth a look. I think the big issue here is the "designed by nature" tittle that evokes more rancid comments. I'm wondering what the reaction would be if the tittle of story was different.
6 months ago ·
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Phillips Development says:
The comments made in this post about the home being "cold" are just opinions- most likely by those that prefer traditional style. I believe the use of earth tone colors of the wood, plaster, and stone creates a warm atmosphere that compliments the natural view through all of the large windows.
Please remember, that everyone has a right to there opinion, but often times those opinions should be kept private so that the expression of the opinion does not come across as insensitive or brash.
Please remember, that everyone has a right to there opinion, but often times those opinions should be kept private so that the expression of the opinion does not come across as insensitive or brash.
6 months ago ·
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hedgewood says:
i think many of the details are very good. I would like to know where to find the white cement panel siding.
6 months ago ·
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dixielaw says:
Stunning, stunning, stunning! The lines and light and color palette are perfect. I normally don't care for blue with architecture this modern, but the shade and how it's used work really well and is both dramatic and "warm". I especially love how all the different textures, materials and colors "fit" together (those bronze soffits and the translucent staircase wall are wonderful touches). It would be like living in art and nature at the same time.
6 months ago ·
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Marina Dery says:
Stunning? Home designed by nature? There is as much nature as it is in my refrigirator.
No soul! No feeling! Clean lines?Has nothing to do with traditional vs modern.. Who will live in this place? Certainly not a family, not children..The garden gives me a creepy feeling of sterility. ...Can you imagine Thanksgiving in this house...or any human celebration in this house? The only thing is missing is the surgical gloves...
No soul! No feeling! Clean lines?Has nothing to do with traditional vs modern.. Who will live in this place? Certainly not a family, not children..The garden gives me a creepy feeling of sterility. ...Can you imagine Thanksgiving in this house...or any human celebration in this house? The only thing is missing is the surgical gloves...
6 months ago ·
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jfsteffie says:
Never mind the editor's headline, just some catchy copy ... The massing of form from the architecture to the interior finishes is unique, considered and just sensational!!
6 months ago ·
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I like the look of the materials BUT fear that the metal ceiling makes the acoustics loud and echoing. There are no textiles or paintings (well one small), to absorb sound waves.
It's hard edged and theoretical architecture. More of a showplace than a home. This can happen when you give the architects carte blanche. Definitely has the wow factor inside. The exterior is not wow, because of the block surface. The concrete could be textured, combed perhaps in a wood pattern.
It's hard edged and theoretical architecture. More of a showplace than a home. This can happen when you give the architects carte blanche. Definitely has the wow factor inside. The exterior is not wow, because of the block surface. The concrete could be textured, combed perhaps in a wood pattern.
6 months ago ·
Like
tlhogii says:
The house is really beautiful it's not that cold... there's a lot of wood finishes and they balance the sterile aspects of the house. It's IS georgeous, despite the expectations given by the headline. If it was a different title, the house could be seen in a clearer light.
6 months ago ·
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kelly57 says:
I enjoyed the huge island. Otherwise, this house did not appeal to me at all. It really is a joke that 7000 sq feet could be nature friendly. Especially considering how the footprint seems quite expansive. I can enjoy a large dream house as well as the next guy. But lets be honest this is not a home that considered the surrounding landscape.
That concrete garden says it all.
That concrete garden says it all.
6 months ago ·
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Ashley Pitts says:
Way too much stuff going on in this home. The architect forgot... Less is More.
6 months ago ·
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swissriley says:
wonderfully creative - lots of points of interest. One of my favorites on Houzz in the last year!
6 months ago ·
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desertwhirlwind says:
Like a thumbprint....... exquisitely UNIQUE. I personally love it!!
All houses, no matter what size they are, disrupt and damage Nature when they are built; clearcutting, tree felling and destruction, re-routing or termination of water ways, toxic materials and landfill waste, just to briefly touch on the subject! A 2000 sq. feet townhouse does not make your choice any better than a 7000 sq. foot luxury home.... there is a very large footprint to building high density housing projects, including all the paved driveways and patios. There are two sides to every coin!!
These comments are as fabulous as they are fascinating.....they are a perfect example of how mutual dualism exists in the world. In other words, two opposites that depend on each other to exist, such as day and night, low and high, bitter and sweet etc. I tend to agree with the Balinese who believe that the balance of this mutual dualism will bring prosperity and peacefulness to mankind, when we discover how to honour this. All things exist in the light of contrast, that is life's paradox and when we learn to respect one anothers' differences and not judge from a place of arrogance, hostility or disdain then our entire environment will change.
All houses, no matter what size they are, disrupt and damage Nature when they are built; clearcutting, tree felling and destruction, re-routing or termination of water ways, toxic materials and landfill waste, just to briefly touch on the subject! A 2000 sq. feet townhouse does not make your choice any better than a 7000 sq. foot luxury home.... there is a very large footprint to building high density housing projects, including all the paved driveways and patios. There are two sides to every coin!!
These comments are as fabulous as they are fascinating.....they are a perfect example of how mutual dualism exists in the world. In other words, two opposites that depend on each other to exist, such as day and night, low and high, bitter and sweet etc. I tend to agree with the Balinese who believe that the balance of this mutual dualism will bring prosperity and peacefulness to mankind, when we discover how to honour this. All things exist in the light of contrast, that is life's paradox and when we learn to respect one anothers' differences and not judge from a place of arrogance, hostility or disdain then our entire environment will change.
6 months ago ·
Like
judyg says:
IT MUST BE A MOVIE SET....NO ONE REALLY LIVES THERE. WHERE ARE THE CHILDREN, THE PETS, TOYS.....ANY SIGN OF LIFE?
5 months ago ·
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spalover says:
Stunning and warm with the use of wood and fire. The green vistas feel luxurious and earthy. I love it and am extremely impressed with the creative imagination and thoughtfulness to detail. I can easily envision my kids and dogs living here. This has a grand vision, if someone wants small and cozy...they will build a cottage.
5 months ago ·
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Gina Hewlett says:
Very interesting, a lot of originality! However what is tasteless are some of the above comments. Let's not suppress creativity.
5 months ago ·
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