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The concrete-and-steel home by Faulkner Architects gives one family a refined escape in the mountains of Northern California.

In the study, an oil painting by David Kroll, one of the artists represented by Sette's gallery hangs above a Le Corbusier daybed.

The sunken living room features a built-in sofa and loveseat.

Classic sunken living room

The sunken living room allows for delineation of space while keeping an open-plan environment

Almost every room in the extension has direct access to the outside so the relationship with the grounds is immediate. In addition, carefully considered windows frame views of the surrounding landscape—especially the large window facing the valley in the first-floor living space. “It’s incredibly joyful to see how the views, smells, and emotion of being in the extension changes throughout the different seasons,” says architect Je Ahn. “It’s very tranquil and a retreat in the true sense of the word.”

In years gone by, the street was lined with Milkwood trees, some of which still remain. The angled bay window was specifically designed to frame two ancient Milkwoods, which were sadly removed by neighbours despite many objections. It does, however, remain a cosy, sun-filled nook with 180-degree views.

A custom blue bookshelf offers a pop of color in the living area and houses the couple's collection of art books and objects.