SubscribeSign In
j
Project posted by Juancarlos Fernandez

Sanctuary

View 21 Photos
Location
Napa Valley, California
Structure
House (Single Residence)
Style
Modern
The retreat is surrounded by 5-foot high walls, high enough to promote privacy, but low enough to provide a visual connection to the natural surroundings.
The retreat is surrounded by 5-foot high walls, high enough to promote privacy, but low enough to provide a visual connection to the natural surroundings.
When seen in plan view, the composition of small structures resembles a traditional stone cairns. Across many cultures, the act of balancing stones carries with it a practice of patience and a physical effort of creating balance.
When seen in plan view, the composition of small structures resembles a traditional stone cairns. Across many cultures, the act of balancing stones carries with it a practice of patience and a physical effort of creating balance.
The stain on the vertical cedar siding, custom mixed to match the mud from a nearby river bed, shifts from grey to warmer tones as the sun lowers in the sky.
The stain on the vertical cedar siding, custom mixed to match the mud from a nearby river bed, shifts from grey to warmer tones as the sun lowers in the sky.
Grey tones of the exterior yield to the white walls of the spa-like interior.
Grey tones of the exterior yield to the white walls of the spa-like interior.
Glass and steel doors usher in the light.
Glass and steel doors usher in the light.
The interiors, by Studio Collins Weir, are carefully composed to promote calmness and reflection.
The interiors, by Studio Collins Weir, are carefully composed to promote calmness and reflection.
The restrained palette of materials, both inside and out, is retrained and calming.
The restrained palette of materials, both inside and out, is retrained and calming.
The division between indoor and outdoor spaces is defined by sleek glass and steel doors.
The division between indoor and outdoor spaces is defined by sleek glass and steel doors.
Shadow play in the courtyard, courtesy of the overhead trellis.
Shadow play in the courtyard, courtesy of the overhead trellis.
A custom fountain is embedded into the board-formed concrete wall.
A custom fountain is embedded into the board-formed concrete wall.
Fountain detail.
Fountain detail.
An alternate view of the relaxation courtyard, fountain and plunge pool.
An alternate view of the relaxation courtyard, fountain and plunge pool.
Fence and trellis detail.
Fence and trellis detail.
A custom trellis shades the seating area for the adjacent tennis courty.
A custom trellis shades the seating area for the adjacent tennis courty.
Custom trellis and landscape.
Custom trellis and landscape.
A bird's eye view of the retreat.
A bird's eye view of the retreat.
The relaxation courtyard at dusk.
The relaxation courtyard at dusk.
Entry at dusk.
Entry at dusk.
Overall view at dusk.
Overall view at dusk.

1 more photo

Credits

Posted by
Architect
Signum Architecture
Interior Design
Studio Collins Weir
Landscape Design
M Studio Landscape
Builder
Westwind Construction
Photographer
Awards
AIA Redwood Empire
Publications
Spaces Magazine

From Juancarlos Fernandez

DESIGN INTENT

Our client for this small project on the valley floor in the heart of the Napa Valley wanted a detached retreat - a small oasis within the large existing property where he could detach from the world. In response, we designed a collection of structures where he could go to reset and rejuvenate.

DESIGN SOLUTION

Inspired by the interconnectedness of traditional stone cairns, we designed a collection of simple structures set quietly within the vineyard landscape. The seemingly random placement of structures is carried out in tandem, connected by a series of pathways and covered terraces, similar to the way a cairn’s stacked stones support one another. The five small structures house a massage area, steam room, sauna, changing area and caretaker’s suite.
Two plunge pools at the center of the plan act as a central organizing element. Massage tables align with a relaxation terrace along one axis, and an outdoor shower aligns with an expansive fountain on the other. The straightforward building forms are sheathed in vertical Cedar siding, complemented by the fencing’s vertical slats and walls of vertically-oriented board-formed concrete. The surrounding walls, set at a height of 5 feet, are tall enough to provide privacy, yet low enough to allow occupants to feel connected to their surroundings on the valley floor. Set within a restrained landscape of grasses, decomposed granite and water, the overall effect of this indoor/outdoor space is calm and soothing.