Where the Eagles Live

Upon arrival, a private road leads to the expansive southeast-facing slope upon which the house sits. Directly adjacent is a grove of fruit trees and a verdant meadow. Beyond the western façade is a natural swimming pond.

With a 93-mile panoramic view, the dark tones of the exterior walls of the house subtly unfold into the landscape. The use of numerous Sky-Frame frameless sliding doors and windows throughout the house creates a direct connection between the permeable nature of the interior spaces and the picturesque countryside surrounding it. Each window provides an individually framed view of the environs. Toward the back of the house, an atrium draws light into a comforting space, casting mellow shadows that transpose according to the sun’s position throughout the day.

As the design of this unique structure was oriented toward the exterior panoramic view, special attention was paid to the living spaces, such as the lounge seating with fireplace, and the diagonally adjacent kitchen. Both were created in response to the cantilevered terrace above. When open, corner windows between the two areas allow for a semi-outdoor transformation during summer months. A wall, reflecting light through a glass roof above the 17-foot-high lounge area, maximizes late evening sun.

In the private living area on the upper floor, the master bedroom and bath face a secluded atrium, surrounded by Sky-Frame sliding doors. Propped up by a 54-square-foot piece of glass, the master bedroom ceiling is 13-foot-high and tilted to 29 degrees. When opened, the homeowners are able to sleep in the open air. Their request to the architect was that they be able to stargaze before falling asleep.