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A fire-resistant modern cottage tucked into a majestic redwood forest

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This modern redwood cottage was designed by Richardson Pribuss Architects, nestled amidst the lush redwood forest of Mill Valley, California. During their vacation, the owners found a rundown, 800-square-foot cabin situated on a 4,600-square-foot lot, nestled between a majestic redwood grove and larger single-family homes.

While most home homeowners would desire a home larger than 1,600 square feet, these homeowners considered this limitation a luxury considering they had previously resided in a modest 1,500-square-foot bungalow in Venice Beach. They had the old cottage demolished and it took a year and a half to complete their new house in its place, with a cost of about $600 a square foot.

DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECT Richardson Pribuss Architects LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT Richardson Pribuss Architects INTERIOR DESIGNER Richardson Pribuss Architects ENGINEER Turbin Structural Engineering

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As is much of Northern California, Mill Valley is located in a wildland-urban interface, or WUI zone, loosely defined as an area where urban development meets undeveloped lands at risk of wildfire. The ownerโ€™s goal was to build a fire-safe, sustainable, non-wood house, and the major tenet was โ€˜small is beautiful.โ€™ The existing cottage was beyond repair and was removed. The redwood trees were uprooting anyway.

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The challenge was to tuck in amongst the redwood trees and build a foundation that floated above the tree roots. Accessing natural light was paramount as well as capturing views across the borrowed landscape of the Redwood Lodge property.

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On the interior, the architects used an abundance of wood to provide warmth, this includes white oak flooring and cabinetry and a fireplace surround that is composed of charred shou-sugi-ban cedar.

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Within the 1,600-square-foot envelope, the architects managed to provide three bedrooms and three full baths as well as a high-volume central living and circulation space. Outdoor decks extend the small interior spaces to the exterior such that the house feels and lives twice as large.

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Exterior and fire-resistant material selections include cement board siding, bronze metal inverted Corten standing seams, and Hardiboard siding, all in tonal ranges, that blend amongst the redwoods while adding a modern cottage elegance to the exterior.

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What We Love: This home exudes an elegant and harmonious exterior that seamlessly blends with its surrounding landscape. Its design thoughtfully frames the captivating views of the towering redwoods, while a distinctive circular skylight invites abundant natural light into the main living area. Inside, the warm and contemporary ambiance of the interior creates a natural and inviting atmosphere throughout.

Tell Us: What are your overall thoughts on the design of this small cottage design? Let us know in the Comments below!

Note: Be sure to check out a couple of other amazing home tours that we have showcased here on One Kindesign in the state of California: Explore this spectacular mountain contemporary getaway in Lake Tahoe and A stunning update to a historic craftsman home in Berkeley Hills.

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ACCOLADES: Platinum National Association of Home Builders Best in American Living Award for one-of-a-kind custom residence under 2000 square feet. 

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The bathroom flooring features Porcelanosa tile on the floor, which has the appearance and feel of hardwood strips.

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Above: On the deck is a portable hot tub called The Monarch from Diamond Spas. This portable stocked spa is a 5-person spa or 6-person hot tub that is fabricated with a stainless-steel frame and removable access panels on all four sides for easy spa maintenance. The decking is made from a composite.

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PHOTOGRAPHER Thibault Cartier

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