The original staircase in the northern section was demolished, and a new staircase with a skylight was built in the center of the house.
Nestled into the surrounding forest against a dramatic backdrop.
Renovating your kitchen? Let this be your guide: We used and abused seven eco-friendly countertops to investigate if they could stand the heat of Dwell's kitchen.
Burnt cedar, Japanese cypress plywood, and mortar create a trio of contrasting yet simple surface textures that breathe a relaxed vibe into the Muji Hut.
A high band of windows on the east side of the home lets light in, while a simple wood overhang shades an outdoor dining area on the terrace with mountain views. "On clear days, it feels like you can see across the high plains to Kansas," says Hirsh.
Photo by Ron Johnson.
The site is located near the old South Pacific Coast Railroad Line, a factor that led DeWitt to ultimately choose shipping containers. “In a way, they are the modern great-granddaughters of the trains that used to pass by here: metal boxes used for transportation,” muses DeWitt.
The home’s geometric silhouette echoes the classic typology of the region’s gable roof barns. “We took our inspiration from this vernacular architecture and re-interpreted it with a contemporary twist,” Dworkind says.
There are plenty of passive and sustainable design solutions—both large and small—that can be employed to reduce heat gain and the need to artificially cool a space with air conditioning.
A series of French doors extends the interior living spaces to the deck and meadow beyond.
The upper levels of the six-bedroom, four-bathroom Mountain House feature large picture windows that offer sweeping valley views.
At night, the quiet drama of the shed roof's angles glows against the darkened forest.
The positioning of the home’s roof allowed for a double-height, north-facing wall with four matching windows and an accompanying skylight. “The house refers to rural houses: a sloping roof, completely coated by stone and with no eaves,” Vanotti says.
