gridshell house

A sweeping timber gridshell roof spans a generous interior living space, defining the house through structure and light. The roof’s organic curvature establishes a continuous relationship between interior and landscape, allowing the building to settle naturally into its surroundings.

Material expression is central to the project. Steel is allowed to weather, copper develops a natural patina, and wood grain remains exposed. An expansive terrazzo floor grounds the interior, while a flowing sculpted concrete wall and integrated balustrade establish a sense of movement through the space. Large custom doors and windows were designed specifically to align with surrounding finishes and structural rhythms, reinforcing a cohesive material language.

Exposed steel elements articulate the structural logic of the building, and a cantilevered concrete stair extends the project’s emphasis on continuity and flow. Interior and exterior fire sprinkler systems are integrated throughout, drawing water from an on-site pool to provide comprehensive protection while remaining visually integrated within the architecture.

location: Central Coast, CA

details: 4,550 sf | 4 bedroom | 4 bath | detached 3 car garage

status: in progress

rammed earth house

Organized around a central structural column, this home radiates outward into a series of gently sloping roof planes that extend into the hillside. The building fans into the landscape, settling carefully among the surrounding oak trees and maintaining a close relationship to the site’s natural topography.

Particular attention was given to preserving existing trees during construction, with only two removed throughout the process. The home incorporates numerous crafted details, including custom sinks, integrated countertops, and bespoke wood cabinetry, each designed to reinforce the material continuity of the interior.

Rammed earth walls define the character of the house, their layered texture left exposed to highlight the natural composition of the material. Beyond their visual presence, the mass of the walls provides a thermal buffer, helping the home remain cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

The project received recognition as:

2011 GreenSite, Residential Project of the Year
2011 USGBC4, Green Home of the Year

location: Central Coast, CA

details: 4,200 sf | 4 bedroom | 4 bath | 2 car garage

status: complete