Home Plate Lodge was designed in 2015 by Ward-Young Architecture & Planning, located in the private community of Martis Camp, Truckee, California. The residence is nestled on a steep property, where the architects were limited by usable area to build (40 percent of the lot was on a slope of 30 percent or more). For the architects, the main concept was to bend the house around the no-build zone. This helped to create a sense of privacy and shielding it from the neighboring houses. Due to the sloping site, the home is spread out over three levels.

Priority was set to maximize the views from this 5,592 square foot home in two different directions. This home had two commanding views, Lookout Mountain on one side and Martis Valley on the other. Designed as a lodge style home, the design scheme blends rustic and contemporary elements. A connection between indoor-outdoor living spaces was achieved through the use of several pocketing Weiland door walls. This enables simple access to spacious terrace/covered porches for entertaining and relaxation.

The homeowners main residence is in Los Gatos, California and this was designed as a family retreat (they have two teenage sons) that they wished to one day retire to. The idea behind this home was to design it as a legacy home, where the homeowners could share it with their children and one day pass it on to them to share with their own children.

What We Love: This lodge style home was designed to compliment its site, the architects working diligently to the challenge of making the home fit in the context of its sloping site. The outdoor living spaces are relaxing and cozy, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountainous landscape. The great room, with its soaring ceilings and indoor-outdoor connection is at the heart of the home… Readers, what is your favorite feature in this mountain retreat?

Have a look at our most favorite projects we have featured from the talented portfolio of Ward Young Architects: Fabulous mountain modern retreat in the High Sierras, New York loft meets mountain modern living in Lake Tahoe and Fabulous Mountain Modern Digs in North Lake Tahoe.

Above: On the main floor is a spacious great room, which features views of the mountains beyond.

Above: In the kitchen a large central island is topped with quartz, while a built-in breakfast nook features a custom basalt table. Beyond is a formal dining room. Sliding glass doors showcase mountain vistas, opening out to an outdoor fire pit. On the other side is a covered porch, a relaxing outdoor living space with sweeping views over the Martis Valley.

Above: This three-story steel and wood staircase was designed in the center of the structure, blending both form and function. Each tread is comprised of sold white oak that is supported by steel, weighing almost 300 pounds. The railings consist of steel mesh, which helps to keep a visual connection with the views beyond. The design and engineering of this flawless looking staircase was carried out by Tahoe-bassed Hunter Metal Forge & Iron Works.

A wall of reclaimed wood from a barn in Idaho serves as a backdrop to the staircase. Spherical light fixtures are suspended from the ceiling, set at varying lengths to illuminate the stairwell—the longest is suspended 37 feet from the ceiling. At the top of the staircase is a lookout room, which the family fondly titled the “birdhouse”. This space showcases breathtaking views towards the Carson Mountain Range. This is also a great place to watch storms roll-in.

Above: Downstairs is a recreational room with a pool table, media area and fireplace. This space opens to the outdoors, where there is a hot tub. Behind the sofa is a custom design bar consisting of white oak. The space was designed to create the feeling of an old saloon with a touch of whimsy in the artwork.

Above: “Home Plate Lodge” got its name from the home plate pictured above. Visible from the upper levels, it is a bronze plate fabricated by Truckee’s Mountain Forge. It has cleat marks on it, to appear as if sliding in from third base. Added as a surprise touch by interior design team, Kasey Hudson Design. It symbolizes for the homeowners as this home being their “home base”.

Photos: Vance Fox Photography

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