This Japandi-style mountain home designed for a family of four by HEDDA Architecture is nestled along the shores of Serene Lakes in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains. Both homeowners are structural engineers and had a specific design set in place when it came to their 1,496-square-foot home in Soda Springs, California.
This design not only had to be sleek but also had to withstand snow load and fire resiliency, two major elements that should be carefully considered when building on Donner Summit. Insert SLEKT.
“Slekt transcends the concept of a home; it embodies a journey of collaboration, intentionality, and an unwavering commitment to merging design with the rhythms of nature. From the initial conversations to the final details, the process of creating Slekt was a profound connection—to the land, the homeowners, and the guiding principles of Hedda’s architectural vision.
This home blends Japandi style and Tahoe’s simplistic beauty, thanks to lead architect Tara Sypriano with HEDDA Inc. Tara’s resilient designs were implemented throughout the house, including the use of aluminum and metal materials to deter embers and the design of the lower level with no windows to help eliminate any damage where significant snow build-up is expected.
A reimagined home shape with a partially covered back deck and front entryway for the ability to get out of the house after a big storm was one of many key design features that were a must. Not only did she include functionality, but she also angled the home to ensure the lake’s views were unscathed.
What We Love: This Japandi-style mountain home provides its owners with an open and airy floor plan layout that is perfect for family living. Despite its compact size, this home lives large with its smart storage solutions and outdoor living areas. The expansive walls of glass help to capture the breathtaking forested surroundings, creating a peaceful respite for these busy working parents. Overall, the harmonious blend of natural materials, minimalist design, and cozy textures make this home warm and inviting.
A well-designed 1,496 sq. ft. home with an open floor plan, smart storage, and outdoor living space can feel much larger than its actual footprint.
Tell Us: What details about this family home in the mountains of California do you love most? Let us know in the Comments below!
Note: Check out a couple of other incredible home tours that we have highlighted here on One Kindesign in the Northern California region: Tour a delightful Northern California mountain home with farmhouse flavor and An elegant home surrounded by a peaceful Northern California forest.
The homeowners desired a sanctuary to withstand the region’s extreme snowfall while maintaining a sense of lightness and warmth.
The roof had to elegantly shed snow without compromising the overall design, resulting in a refined, minimalist metal gable roof.
Practicality and aesthetics needed to coexist, leading to a design where functionality was seamlessly integrated with visual appeal.
Large windows were strategically placed to capture natural light and stunning views, even during record-breaking winters.
The surrounding environment was seen as a guide, and the site’s natural elements informed material choices and orientation.
INTERESTING FACT: Amid construction, a record-breaking snowfall year tested the home’s resilience. However, the careful integration of features, such as the sleek metal gable roof and strategically placed windows, enhanced both functionality and indoor experience. These thoughtful choices embraced the mountain’s extreme weather and natural elements, creating a home that seamlessly flowed with its surroundings while keeping the family safe and warm.
Above: The interior walls are painted in Benjamin Moore Silver Satin 856 +Washable Flat. The flooring is The Mission Collection® Floors Cortona Grain Mill + Linear.
Material selections—ranging from the sleek metal gable roof to the terrazzo tiles—were made purposefully, balancing durability with the desire to integrate the beauty of the outdoors.
PHOTOGRAPHER Ruthanne Z
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