This stunning concrete and steel mountain retreat designed by Faulkner Architects is surrounded by the Sierra Nevada Mountains near Lake Tahoe, California. The architects were commissioned to expand an existing property, which is nestled on a north-facing slope overlooking the Martis Valley and up to Lookout Mountain through 100-year-old Jeffrey pine trees.
Immersed into the slope, this 4,700-square-foot dwelling encircles a courtyard to provide privacy from neighbors. The bedrooms face the central courtyard and the family gathering space is a concrete pavilion that connects the courtyard to the distant view beyond. A thin steel shed roof pitches up to open the interior to the south sun and capture views of the ski slopes on the mountain.
DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECT Faulkner Architects INTERIOR DESIGNER NICOLEHOLLIS BUILDER Jim Morrison Construction STRUCTURAL ENGINEER CFBR Structural Group CIVIL ENGINEER Shaw Engineering MEP Sugarpine Engineering SURVEYOR Webb Land Surveying, Inc. TITLE 24 Monterey Energy Group
Double-thick eight-inch concrete walls fitted with foam insulation extend up to the roof on the low side. Clerestory windows enclose the triangular space between the roof and concrete walls.
The materiality of concrete and steel-sash tempered windows form a fire-resistant barrier and secure a native cedar-clad interior. Basalt floors were selected to mimic the surrounding landscape, which is punctuated by basalt boulders.
Blackened steel casework responds to the exposed steel, while glazed access around the courtyard connects the bedrooms and main pavilion to the courtyard and fire, much like a campsite. Furnishings share the same materiality and tonal qualities as the architecture, creating a quiet presence that allows the glowing landscape to resonate.
What We Love: This fabulous concrete and steel mountain retreat offers a beautiful selection of durable materials and a strong connection to the landscape. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the courtyard bring in natural light while providing views of the outdoors. We are especially loving that the choice of using concrete and weathering steel on the exterior facade helps to protect this home from devastating wildfires in the region.
Tell Us: Would this be your idea of the perfect mountain retreat? Let us know why or why not in the Comments below!
Note: Check out a couple of other amazing home tours that we have highlighted here on One Kindesign in the state of California: Luxury lakefront mountain home boasts panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and Dreamy mountain retreat with serene indoor-outdoor connection in Tahoe.
PHOTOGRAPHER Joe Fletcher
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