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Scenic Horizontal Homes

In an increasingly urbanized society, vertical building has become the MO, but if you have the space, consider building outwards instead. These low-slung structures are easy on the knees and on the eyes.

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Architect Chris Pardo designed the Element 1 model for prefab builder Method Homes, cladding it in Cor-Ten steel and cedar. Pardo’s design “is the definition of simple, elegant, straightforward building,” resident Karen Kiest says.
Architect Chris Pardo designed the Element 1 model for prefab builder Method Homes, cladding it in Cor-Ten steel and cedar. Pardo’s design “is the definition of simple, elegant, straightforward building,” resident Karen Kiest says.
Two Black Sheds incorporates all the conventional aspects of a weekend retreat in a rather unconventional way.
Two Black Sheds incorporates all the conventional aspects of a weekend retreat in a rather unconventional way.
“There’s a lot of horse talk here, and with this place there is plenty of opportunity for interaction. My horses can play Mister Ed and join right in,” says Kropach. Her inquisitive Andalusian steeds regularly socialize with guests via sliding windows along the house’s main north-facing elevation.
“There’s a lot of horse talk here, and with this place there is plenty of opportunity for interaction. My horses can play Mister Ed and join right in,” says Kropach. Her inquisitive Andalusian steeds regularly socialize with guests via sliding windows along the house’s main north-facing elevation.
Various groupings of succulents were planted to accent and obscure the home's relationship to its surrounding environment. Photo by: Daniel Hennessy
Various groupings of succulents were planted to accent and obscure the home's relationship to its surrounding environment. Photo by: Daniel Hennessy
Clad in Western red cedar siding and punctuated with floor-to-ceiling windows, this minimalist two-bedroom home boasts sunrise views over the Sonoma hills.
Clad in Western red cedar siding and punctuated with floor-to-ceiling windows, this minimalist two-bedroom home boasts sunrise views over the Sonoma hills.
The main living space is constructed of immense I-profiles, allowing for a full wall of glass with four large sliding doors that open to the backyard.
The main living space is constructed of immense I-profiles, allowing for a full wall of glass with four large sliding doors that open to the backyard.
Two linked 1,000-square-foot pavilions are greater than a sum of their parts. The simply detailed, taut, flat-roofed home’s two wings form a T-shape. One wing runs north to south, parallel to a pool, and contains the open-plan living spaces. Photo by Matthew Millman.
Two linked 1,000-square-foot pavilions are greater than a sum of their parts. The simply detailed, taut, flat-roofed home’s two wings form a T-shape. One wing runs north to south, parallel to a pool, and contains the open-plan living spaces. Photo by Matthew Millman.
White brick exterior of Goddard and Mandolene’s home post renovation.
White brick exterior of Goddard and Mandolene’s home post renovation.
The Hupert-Kinmont house lies low in a century-old apple orchard, far from neighboring houses. The spaciousness of the rural surroundings is echoed inside.
The Hupert-Kinmont house lies low in a century-old apple orchard, far from neighboring houses. The spaciousness of the rural surroundings is echoed inside.