The Trestle residence negotiates an undulating hillside site with great sensitivity and earnestness. Structures are arranged to exploit the site’s diversity of views, foliage, and topography. Embodying the agrarian character of an active farm, the design reflects its owners’ sensibility and ethos. Approached through a winding shaded drive, the home presents modestly amongst heritage oaks and a steep wooded hillside. Structures are composed of local fieldstone, concrete, and steel, creating reciprocity with the natural terrain and working farm. The home is composed of a series of indoor and covered outdoor spaces, each with a distinct relationship to the landscape. Negotiating the site’s topographic complexity, each wing affords unique views and diurnal rhythms.
The clients sought to cultivate their lifelong interest in agriculture, live with ecological sensitivity, and build a home that will last for generations. Building on an existing farm, the design maintains and invests in agricultural infrastructure, and weaves the home’s programmatic elements with the topography to optimize daylight, create defensible space against fire, and shelter against wind. Produce is harvested year-round and funneled through the central courtyard into a secondary wet storage room before making its way into the dry storage or kitchen. Materials chosen for the residence are hardy, and will patina over time with little maintenance. Living spaces open completely to the exterior, reflecting the clients’ wish to be stewards of the land.
Sited in an area with a recent history of wildfires, the design was conceived with great awareness towards sustainability and longevity. On a macro level, the residence is built on the pads of previous structures to minimize disruption to the landscape. In addition to meeting fire-safe standards for building assemblies, the home is equipped with an external sprinkler system and surrounded by drought-tolerant planting. A large-scale water collection system provides water for agricultural irrigation, fire mitigation, and domestic use. A stone and concrete thermal mass buffers against high heat, and high-performance glazing optimizes daylight. Indoor air quality and the ability to passively cool the home, is controlled with operable glazing leading to exterior decks and terraces. During periods of extreme heat or poor air quality, the home is mechanically cooled using energy from the rooftop solar PV array.
Category:Private HomesYear:2022Location:Napa Valley, California, USAArchitects:Aidlin Darling Design Lead Architect: David DarlingLandscape Architects:Lutsko AssociatesDesign Team: Cherie Lau, Michael Pierry, Peter Larsen, Adam Rouse, Chip Hubert, Min Choe, Sarah Kia, Tory Wolcott, and Baptiste BogetInterior Design: Donald MacDonald Interior DesignContractor:Eames Construction Inc.Client: PrivatePhotographer: Adam Rouse Photography
