Hardy Hardscape

A walkway of pavers leads from the garage to the front door; it’s covered with a steel canopy meant to amplify the sound of North Bend’s frequent rainfall.

The family enjoys the outdoor lounge.

"The semi-public front porch projects out from the front of the house to grab views of the 'camel head' part of the mountain,

Alloi's design solution for the exterior envelope included exterior rigid insulation to reduce solar heat gain, and recycled newspaper blown-in cellulose insulation at interior and exterior walls, creating an energy efficient and peacefully quiet home.

A perfectly groomed backyard lawn with a paver patio.

Dubbed the Stealth House in part for its windowless perimeter, the project began as an exploration designing comfortable, private living spaces in dense urban areas.

Yakisugi—commonly known as shou sugi ban in the West—graces the home’s exterior. “We focused our efforts on creating direct and elemental relationships between the materials,” says SHED design principal Prentis Hale. “Yakisugi shou sugi ban siding in contrast with white bricks, shou sugi ban in relation to concrete, shou sugi ban and black steel.”

Entry courtyard at twilight

The poured concrete foundation is clearly visible when viewing the back of the home.

Friche Atelier landscaped the shaded backyard, where an Établi table and Le Balconier chairs cater to alfresco dining.

Main Access

Stepstone's narrow concrete pavers add a graphic touch to the garden in the Mill Valley home of Dwell founder Lara Hedberg Deam and architect Chris Deam. Photo by Dustin Aksland.

A view from the kitchen back into Atherton's wing of the house, separated by the front door and walkway.

Allée