Perfect symbiosis: a Californian house has its own microclimate
Nestled in the rolling hills of California’s Sonoma Valley, this new house’s discreet, low volume sits in complete harmony with its environment. Created to take its cues from its surroundings, in a harmonious coexistence, its grey, transparent form looks and feels, at the same time, thoroughly modern.
Its architect, Neal Schwartz, likens it to lichen. ‘The precise relationship between lichen and its host provides inspiration for an architecture specifically tailored to its site - both as a response to it and as an augmentation of its best attributes’, he says. The design, for a young family, Schwartz explains, does not mimic blindly, but attempts to expand our understanding and experience of nature, through architecture.
Drawing a more literal parallel, the plot’s oak trees support actual, draping Ramalina Lichen. These, not only filter sunlight, but also capture moisture and remove pollutants from the air, making a remarkable contribution to the site. This supports a unique microclimate.
Take an interactive tour of Lichen House
Similarly, Lichen House is conceived as a ‘porous and breathable building’, where each opening is carefully positioned to ensure the best conditions for the residents, both inside and out. The structure is orientated so that it makes the most out of the daylight and passive heating opportunities the area’s pleasant climate and geography provides.
Planned in a T-shaped arrangement, the house features a wing of generous, open plan public spaces and two wings of private areas that include five bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and ample storage and service spaces. Operable windows ensure privacy where needed, while allowing the option of letting the outdoors in. Wood detailing and floors soften the concrete and glass building’s interior.
The driveway leads up to a large garage, while a garden, wide deck and a swimming pool sit on the plot’s opposite side, offering long views of the valley, making the most of this contemporary house’s striking location.
INFORMATION
For more information visit the Schwartz and Architecture website
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Ellie Stathaki is the Architecture & Environment Director at Wallpaper*. She trained as an architect at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece and studied architectural history at the Bartlett in London. Now an established journalist, she has been a member of the Wallpaper* team since 2006, visiting buildings across the globe and interviewing leading architects such as Tadao Ando and Rem Koolhaas. Ellie has also taken part in judging panels, moderated events, curated shows and contributed in books, such as The Contemporary House (Thames & Hudson, 2018), Glenn Sestig Architecture Diary (2020) and House London (2022).
-
Formafantasma’s biodiversity-boosting installation in a Perrier Jouët vineyard is cross-pollination at its best
Formafantasma and Perrier Jouët unveil the first project in their ‘Cohabitare’ initiative, ‘not only a work of art but also a contribution to the ecosystem’
By Henrietta Thompson Published
-
Gingerbread City: architects sculpt London out of the season's favourite treat
Until December 29 in Chelsea, see London brought to life in a seasonal-appropriate medium by leading architects and designers
By Ellen Himelfarb Published
-
New Revox B77 MK III reel-to-reel tape recorder, and more cassette tape-based trickery
The new Revox B77 MK III might be the ultimate analogue flex. In response, we’ve explored the outer reaches of cassette tape design
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
A vacant Tribeca penthouse is transformed into a bright, contemporary eyrie
A Tribeca penthouse is elevated by Peterson Rich Office, who redesigned it by adding a sculptural staircase and openings to the large terrace
By Léa Teuscher Published
-
We walk through Luther George Park and its new undulating pavilion
Luther George Park by Trahan Architects and landscape architects Spackman Mossop Michaels opens to the public, showcasing a striking new pavilion installation – take a first look
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
A vibrant new waterfront park opens in San Francisco
A waterfront park by leading studio Scape at China Basin provides dynamic public spaces and coastal resilience for San Francisco's new district of Mission Rock
By Léa Teuscher Published
-
Tekαkαpimək Contact Station: a building ‘as inspiring as the endless forest and waterways of the land’
The new Tekαkαpimək Contact Station by Saunders Architecture with Reed Hilderbrand and Alisberg Parker Architects, opens at Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument in the USA
By Beth Broome Published
-
Entelechy II: architect John Portman's majestic beach home hits the market
Entelechy II, architect John Portman's beach residence in Georgia, USA, goes on the market; roll up, roll up for a home that is as grand as it is playful
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
First look: Honolulu's Victoria Place blends cosmopolitan living with Hawaii life and nature
Victoria Place is a new residential tower at Honolulu's Ward Village; take a first look at its interiors
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
A look inside the home of George Homsey, one of the fathers of pioneering California modernist community Sea Ranch
George Homsey's home opens for the first time since his death, in 2019; see where the architect behind some of the designs for Sea Ranch, the pioneering California modernist community, lived
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Step inside a Brooklyn Brownstone that bridges old and new
'Brooklyn Brownstone' has been refreshed by Jon Powell Architects (JPA) and the result is a contemporary design rooted in modern elegance
By Ellie Stathaki Published