Architect Designs An Off-Grid Super House In The Hills of The Californian Coast (House Tour)

Summary

This video showcases a remote property along California's coastline, emphasizing its pristine environment and lack of traditional utilities. The architectural design features a three-sided glass pavilion with sustainable elements, including a well for water and a photovoltaic array for power. The structure is thoughtfully arranged on a steep slope to preserve the natural landscape and offer unobstructed views. The interior incorporates warm walnut wood, creating a luxurious feel, while the outdoor space allows for immersive experiences in nature. Overall, the project harmonizes with its stunning surroundings, reflecting a deep connection to the landscape.

Takeaways

• 🏞️ The property is located 30 to 45 minutes away from the nearest town, making it relatively remote.
• ⚡ There are no public utilities available on the property, including power, sewer, or municipal water supply.
• 🌄 The project is situated at a unique geographical point where the California coastline changes orientation.
• 🏡 The design features a three-sided glass pavilion supported by concrete and steel, creating a strong connection to nature.
• 🚗 The garage is positioned above the living area, keeping cars out of sight to enhance the peaceful environment.
• 🌱 The roofs of the buildings are planted with local grasses and succulents, promoting natural adaptation and biodiversity.
• 🏞️ The architecture reflects the historical cattle ranch vernacular, utilizing materials like concrete and rusting steel.
• 💧 The house operates off-grid, relying on a well for water, a photovoltaic array for electricity, and a septic system for waste management.
• ☀️ Metal screens are used to provide sun shading and protect the glass walls from low-angle sunlight.
• 🌳 Walnut wood was chosen for the interior to add warmth and luxury, complementing the natural surroundings.

Q & A

What is the location of the property discussed in the transcript?

The property is located 30 to 45 minutes away from the nearest store, gas station, or town, making it relatively remote.

What utilities are available on this property?

The property does not have any utilities like power, sewer systems, or municipal water supply due to its remote location.

What are the unique geographical features of the project site?

The site is situated on a narrow ridge line at a high altitude, where the California coastline shifts from a North-South to an East-West orientation, creating unique geographic conditions.

How is the layout of the structures arranged on the property?

The structures are arranged from high to low, starting with the garage at the top and continuing downhill to the living spaces, taking advantage of the site's slope.

What design features help integrate the buildings with the natural environment?

The roofs of the buildings consist of planted trays with local grasses and succulents, designed to evolve naturally over time, creating a consistent look with the surrounding hillsides.

What architectural style influences the design of the house?

The architecture is inspired by the vernacular architecture of historical cattle ranches, incorporating elements like concrete referencing train trestles and rusted steel from cattle ranch gates.

How does the property handle its utilities sustainably?

The house is completely off-grid, utilizing a well for water supply, a photovoltaic array with a battery system for power, and a septic system for waste treatment.

What considerations were made for sun protection in the building design?

Metal screens were designed to protect the large glass walls from the low-angle sun due to the property's high altitude and exposure.

What materials were chosen for the interior, and why?

Walnut was chosen for its sensual, luxurious quality, and deep rich tone, contributing warmth and complementing the overall palette of materials used in the project.

What is the intended experience for occupants regarding their connection to the environment?

The design aims to immerse occupants in the environment, particularly at the outdoor space that juts out over the canyon, allowing them to participate in the landscape beyond mere observation.