Seattle-based Olson Kundig Architects designed this sprawling modern net zero home located on a 3.5-acre property in Woodside, small town in San Mateo County, California. Envisioned as a single continuous, flowing expression, this family estate links architecture, interior design, art and landscape into an integrated whole.
Unified around the central living area, views radiate in four directions across reflecting pools to vistas into gardens and the nearby Santa Cruz Mountains. The residence also includes three auxiliary structures and extensive outdoor living areas, but the subdued quality of the design blends the home into its verdant landscape.
The site is organized into two interconnected parts, reflecting contrasting attitudes towards the landscape. The cultivated portion of the site, with vineyards and old-growth olive trees, contains the “public” areas of the house, including living, dining and entertainment areas.
The other side, delineated by an infinity pool and gentle slope, opens into uncultivated meadow space and contains bedrooms and an office. An earthy exterior palette inspired by the California woodland setting continues inside the home, which features a collection of custom furniture and lighting designed by Jim Olson.
This net zero home incorporates several sustainable features including a solar array and a geothermal system. Net zero means that this home has been designed to produce as much energy as it consumes.
What We Love: This net zero home beautifully melds with its surrounding landscape, which has inspired the overall design of this home. Its earthy palette of patinated bronze, black granite, and dark wood flows from the exterior to the interior, creating a feel of welcoming warmth. Expansive windows throughout opens this home as much as possible to nature, blurring the boundaries between indoors and out,
Tell Us: What details do you find appealing about the design of this home and why in the Comments below!
Note: Be sure to have a look below for the “Related” tags for more amazing home tours that we have showcased here on One Kindesign from the portfolio of the architects of this home, Olson Kundig Architects.
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Radiant heat warms this home through hydronic heating — an energy efficient home heating system that uses tubing to run a hot liquid beneath the floor. The heat in the floors lasts for 12 to 24 hours.
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Above: The front of the bar is clad with a salvaged redwood slab.
The residence is south-facing to maximize solar heat gain in the winter, while providing shade in the summer.
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Above: This property was originally a horse pasture and was mainly dirt prior to construction. The project team planted a large meadow and cactus garden on the property, along with a shady grove that includes 100-year-old olive trees.
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Photos: Matthew Millman
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