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In 2014, Jeff and Karen Gunning began researching building another house, hoping to create a single, contained volume without compromising their retirement funds. The resulting Tree House comprises three pitched volumes with cutaways to create a porch in phase one and recessed window planter ledges in phase two. Simple wood columns provide support.

The west-facing outdoor patio is protected by deep roof overhangs lined with southern yellow pine.

Canopy House exploded axon

For sustainability, the Canopy House features a steel structure system and extensive masonry finishes to ensure durability and low maintenance needs. Likewise, the landscaping features xeriscaping and native plants.

Walls of glass blur the boundary between indoors and out in this bathroom. The floors are Jerusalem Bone limestone.

"The canopy structure was carefully edited down to only its essential parts," explain the architects. "Every component was designed so that each member is purposeful and is exactly the size and shape it needs to be and no more. The fabrication and assembly process was fully considered to allow for straightforward construction."

Ipe decking connects the main house to the rear guest suite/pool house and pool, which were strategically placed to take advantage of natural shade conditions.

Folding glazed doors open up to seamlessly connect the open-plan kitchen and dining room to the courtyard. The kitchen is dressed with Sapele Mahogany cabinetry, Caesarstone Stratuario Maximus countertops, and rift-sawn white oak flooring.

The homeowners took advantage of virtual reality technology for selecting and placing their furniture, including the pictured Reid section from DWR and Black Marble Saarinen dining table with Cora custom side chairs from Room and Board.

Walls of glass promote constant connection with the outdoors. The chairs that flank the double-sided fireplace are Kenmare armchairs by Modloft.

The view from outside the entrance gate, which was constructed from steel with welded wire infill. The entry path was made of Leuders limestone, the same material used on the outdoor patios and fireplace.

In response to a geotechnical report that revealed poor soils, the architects deepened the piers to support a structure slab that floats eight inches above grade. The unusual foundation design allows the elevated home to sit very close to the trees without negatively impacting the root systems.

Located in the heart of the city, the property "provided the best of both worlds," explain the couple, who were drawn to its location and its many mature trees that created the feeling of being immersed in nature.

The architects created a simple, shed-like refuge so as to not detract from the surrounding environment.

An aerial view of the Vinoly home.

An aerial view of both houses and all the land.