Focus on Feldman Architecture’s Environmentally-Conscious Homes

Here at Dwell, we’re continually impressed by the caliber of work our community shares through Add a Home. In addition to featuring our daily favorite as the Home of the Day, we’re shining a spotlight on the extraordinary architects behind the projects. 

This week, we're celebrating San Francisco–based Feldman Architecture, led by Jonathan Feldman, Steven Stept, Taisuke Ikegami, and Christopher Kurrle. The award-winning firm holds environmental stewardship in high esteem, creating residential and commercial spaces that sit lightly on the land. Through a respectful, collaborative process with the client, Feldman Architecture produces buildings that meet individual needs while respecting the natural environment. Get to know the firm through the innovative examples below.

1. Fitty Wun

Location: San Francisco, California

A whole-house transformation for an active family with three young boys looks like a simple—albeit modern—town house from the street, while boasting an interior that soars. The main floor encompasses the kitchen, dining, and living rooms, allowing the whole family to hang out. A catwalk circles a central, light-filled atrium, connecting the upper floors. At the top, a green roof and office "pod" enjoy broad city views.

2. The Shack

Location: Marin County, California

Seeking an escape from the city, photographer Catherine Wagner and designer Loretta Gargan reached out to Feldman Architecture to turn a dark, cramped home into a charming cottage. Conducted in two phases, the renovation opened up the kitchen and living room to an outdoor dining area, added a two-story extension capturing views of Mount Baldy, and introduced a garage with a green roof. Stepped terraces lead to a serene swimming pool.

3. Butterfly House

Location: Carmel Valley, California

In planning their retirement home, David and Suzanne Rinaldo requested a house that had the lightness of "a butterfly landing in a meadow." Located on the Santa Lucia Preserve outside of Carmel, California, their complex boasts three eco-friendly pavilions spread out in a semi-circle. According to the client, Jonathan Feldman spent hours lying on his back in the natural setting, letting the floor plan emerge organically.

4. 2 Bar House

Location: Menlo Park, California

Though Rian and Melissa Jorgensen were initially drawn to prefab solutions, the customizations they wanted turned out to be cost prohibitive, so they turned to Feldman Architecture for an energy-efficient green home that would fit their budget. Named for its two perpendicular sections, 2 Bar House features a host of environmentally-friendly features, all of them capped by a living roof by Lauren Schneider of Wonderland Garden.

5. Caterpillar House

Location: Carmel Valley, California

The first LEED Platinum Custom Home on California’s Central Coast, this modern interpretation of the classic ranch house sits among the hills of the Santa Lucia Preserve. Its rammed-earth walls curve with the terrain and regulate temperatures throughout the day—while glazing, ventilation, and operable shading also contribute to a passive heating and cooling system. A covered porch and patio provide a strong connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

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