Outdoor chill area

A counterweight pulley system makes easy work of lifting the large glazed walls flanking the courtyard. Brick walls extend from the home's interior out into the courtyard.

Upon entering the front door, guests and residents are welcomed inside via the sunny atrium—a signature feature in Eichler homes. Lush greenery fills the space, creating an instant connection with nature.

Garden Patio with Cedar Hot Tub

Eichler’s double A-frame models are rarely available and are highly coveted due to their design and extra square footage. Measuring in at 2,000 square feet—not including the spacious atrium—this model boasts five bedrooms and two full baths. The home also features soaring tongue-and-groove ceilings, expansive glazing, and globe pendant lights throughout.

The home wraps around an existing orchard, brought to life with the help of landscape designer Sol Correa, who used native plants and vegetables. It was important that "the house and the kitchen coexist with its own garden, and with species from the area," says Sánchez.

Bloomberg windows and large sliders by LaCantina Doors bring ample light into the home.

10 apertures of different sizes arranged above the pool illuminate the front yard with natural light.

A roof terrace with built-in seating and a large grill looks out to Table Mountain and the surrounding city. “I’m very much into braaiing,” says Clint, using the Afrikaans word for barbecue, “and wanted a place to grill. Michael took that to the next level and gave us a place where we could barbecue on the roof.”

With its driveway to the north, the home faces west toward the Pacific, with its courtyard breaking up the house's mass.

The five-foot tall fire pit rock is buried three-feet into the ground for stability.

"Having committed to the courtyard idea, we had to then refine it and study the many plan configurations possible around it," says Joe. "We looked to the traditional riad courtyard houses of Morocco—houses with lush, shady courtyards which have a strong sense of interiority, coupled with severe exteriors to street. We then layered other ideas such the notion of an ‘adaptable house’ and the somewhat contradictory idea of being able to open the entire living area direct to the sidewalk."

Now more than ever, having a sustainable home that conserves resources and energy usage is paramount. Sustainable design and architecture has seen tremendous growth over the last decade—as has the number of professionals who specialize in designing and building green homes. While major sustainable features pertain to the initial design, planning, and building stages, there are still plenty of changes to make in your home for a greener lifestyle. Have you covered all your bases?

More than 60 plant species were used in the layered design.

Gently graded steps covered in pine needles wander through the home’s L-shaped garden, designed by landscape architect Michael Van Valkenburgh. A

The former sunroom, now a guest room, has a 1970s armchair by Bruno Rey.