Cottages

The countertops and interior cladding were created from reclaimed beams and siding from the original cabin.

With its organic, horizontal silhouette, raw concrete facade, and Bauhaus-leaning interiors, this midcentury nature retreat brings modernity to the mountains. Set high in a coastal mountain range in Topanga, California, is Saddle Peak—a two-level, four-bedroom holiday rental house with sublime geometry and defined lines.

Inside, a large window opposite the main door frames a view of mature trees. The main interior spaces is the raised platform supporting three tatami mats. "The floor of glossy ebonized birch has the sensation of a deep, still pond," Poss says. "The grass tatami mats become an island within an island." Photo by Phillip Kalantzis-Cope.

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.

Hollis points out, “You move from a dark reception salon into a bright white open space. The contrast of moving from darkness into light is always part of my work.” The reception desk is a brass-clad box custom made by Chris French Metals—Hollis’ ode to Donald Judd.