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The cabinets and floating shelf are raw steel, and the handmade table is lime plaster, joined with Zara Home stools.

Architect Gabriele Mary Ann Schicketanz designed a modular compound in Carmel-by-the-Sea to house her son’s family and her own, offering a cost-effective alternative to the area’s $2–3 million homes. Placed on a nearly five-acre lot beneath old oaks, the project includes a three-bedroom main house, a freestanding ADU, and a site-built garage, all oriented for views and privacy.

Designed by Michel Aubry, this plant-covered ’60s home is composed of concrete, brick, and glass.

A brick hearth designed by Winter was updated with a gas fireplace. The couple redid the kitchen without enlarging it, in an effort to stay true to Winter’s plan. “We were trying to do a modern version of what would feel right in a house designed in the ’70s,” explains Rick.

In the living room, soft-hued seating arranged in a circle is perfect for entertaining. On the far wall, Sunrise Over the Hudson, by Erik Koeppel, competes with the stunning scenery outside. “Charlie was interested in skewered views, like looking straight up at the sky and then out to the woods,” says Rick.

The team preserved the deck, but installed a new railing.

In another bathroom, a polka dot wallpaper print creates a playful atmosphere while the dark-toned vanity adds a more serious contrast.

The overall home is constructed with larch timber, a British wood, and features a central ridge beam that gives it a butterfly-shaped roof. Shou sugi ban was done on the wood to give it a charred finish.

Floor Plan of Butterfly House by Oliver Leech Architects

"The plaster's imperfections are part of what gives the house its unique character, in the same way the concrete floor shows swirls and the timber has natural knotting,

"We meticulously plan for how light affects spaces. We model the spaces and test the different lighting throughout the day,

The owners wanted a pair of stairs leading to the bedrooms.

The living room is right off the kitchen, and has views of the garden.

The overhead windows cast light and shadows above the kitchen, which is lined in lower drawers for easy access.

Polished concrete floors and pale clay plaster on the walls were used throughout the kitchen and living spaces.

The breakfast nook features a custom table with a terrazzo top from Concrete Collaborative, and the pendant above is by Kuzco. A wall hanging from Caralarga commands the entryway.

Carlos and Whitney’s bedroom is a moody haven with more Brim sconces by RBW, textiles by Caralaga and Cultiver, and a Brentwood Home mattress.

The bathrooms were modeled after Japanese ryokans. Here in the main bathroom, muted Fireclay tiles clad the shower, which features a built-in bench and Purist fixtures from Kohler.

Viewed from the entrance, the kitchen is a streamlined composition thanks to sleek concrete countertops by Caesarstone and Basis cabinet fronts by Reform. There’s a contemporary induction cooktop, fridge, and wall oven by Dacor. Viso counter stools by Muuto pull up to the island, embellished by a Linear pendant light by Kuzco above.