This gorgeous dream home with mid-century styling was designed by John Maniscalco Architecture, located in Sugar Bowl, a ski and snowboard area in Norden, California. This dwelling is all about expansive windows framing the views of the breathtaking forested surroundings. Since nature is the main focal point, comfortable minimalism can best be used to describe the interior living environment. This home is void of artwork, focusing instead on sculptural light fixtures, furnishings and architectural details, which includes the staircase, fireplace and exposed beams on the ceiling.
The design of this custom built dwelling is entirely a product of its dramatic environment. The structure is perched on a 8-foot concrete plinth, elevating the home above the high winter snow-pack (which helps the owners to not have to shovel out their front door when they come for a visit). The exterior facade is clad in cedar siding, punctuated by windows that frame the spectacular views. The interior living spaces are conducive of a vacation ski retreat: sleeping zones, boot room and service spaces on the ground level. While on the upper level you will find a variety of living spaces that all enjoy expansive views of the surrounding forest.
What We Love: This gorgeous dream home features the perfect balance of clean lines and simple living spaces framed by incredible material elements. This helps to give the home a mountain lodge aesthetic that is warm and inviting. With plush furnishings, attractive light fixtures a fabulous living room fireplace and open layout, would more could you possibly ask for in a vacation retreat?… Readers, what do you think, is this your idea of a dream home? Let us know in the comments below!
Note: As you continue through this home tour you will notice the “Related” tags. If you click on them you will find more incredible home tours from the portfolio of John Maniscalco Architecture.
Above: Materials used throughout this home includes exposed Douglas fir ceilings, walnut flooring, steel, and concrete.
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Above: Underneath the dramatic wood and steel staircase is a cozy reading nook… where you can also admire the views of nature through the tall window.
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Above: Custom bunk beds feature plush down comforters and adorable Giraffe Table Lamps by Jonathan Adler for nighttime reading. A soft and textural area rug over the wooded floor allows a comfortable transition from getting out of bed on cool mornings.
Above: This home showcases a unique roof form that is not your typical alpine pitched roof that would be susceptible to avalanches. Since this region bares witness to at least nine feet of snowfall per year and the homeowners are rarely here, the architects needed to bullet proof this home to weather conditions.
According to Builder Online, “The architects took cues from old avalanche sheds built to shield railroad tracks from falling snow. The concept was a bent planar roof that tips to the home’s rear, channeling snow loads away from pedestrian areas. To avoid burying the lower level’s back end, the cantilevered roof was built to withstand 30 feet of pileup, while shedding smaller amounts as necessary.”
Photos: Matthew Millman
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