Feldman Architecture Stone Villa
Description
Guided by early site and climate studies, the design arranges four detached stone structures to step with the contours of the land, reducing visual impact and restoring a hillside meadow previously overtaken by invasive growth. Sited within a one-acre ridge-top clearing, the structures - a living pavilion, ownerâs suite and office, a pool cabana/guest suite, and a garage - are linked by pathways, gardens, and courtyards that foster meaningful indoor-outdoor connections. Breaking the home into smaller components minimized the projectâs square footage, and therefore cost and carbon footprint, while allowing the buildings to rest lightly and gracefully on the narrow ridge. What began as inspiration drawn from Tuscany evolved into a modern translation - an understated and timeless retreat, carefully crafted and sensitively attuned to its site, where architecture, landscape, and lifestyle meld seamlessly. The design integrates historical character with modern detailing and performance, creating a home deeply responsive to its siteâa former hillside meadow of native grasses now restored after years of invasive species growth. Guided by early site and climate analysis, the plan arranges multiple detached structures that step with the natural grade, reducing visual impact, minimizing grading, and preserving terrain. Resilient design features address wildfire risk and climate change, supporting long-term durability. Passive strategiesâoptimized solar orientation, natural ventilation, daylighting,âcombine with high-performance windows, all-electric mechanical systems, on-site renewable energy production and storage to target net-zero energy use. Natural, warm materials further root the architecture to its setting. Local St. Helena Cottage stone and reclaimed teak harmonize the project with its environment. Thick, solid granite walls anchor the pavilions to the site, while carefully carved openings frame valley views through the tree canopy. Deep overhangs and shaded recesses temper the sun, and breezeways between buildings capture prevailing winds. A tower and roof deck above the living pavilion lift residents into the treetops, offering panoramic views of the surrounding preserve. Stone Villa is in the Santa Lucia Preserve, a private community nestled in the coastal hills between Carmel and Big Sur that spans 20,000 acres, 18,000 of which are protected in perpetuity by the Santa Lucia Conservancy, a nonprofit land trust that works to advocate for the ecological integrity of the protected lands. The remaining 10% of the land is set aside for infrastructure, private club amenities, and just 297 homesites.
Details
4,637 sq ft
Architect
Description
Guided by early site and climate studies, the design arranges four detached stone structures to step with the contours of the land, reducing visual impact and restoring a hillside meadow previously overtaken by invasive growth. Sited within a one-acre ridge-top clearing, the structures - a living pavilion, ownerâs suite and office, a pool cabana/guest suite, and a garage - are linked by pathways, gardens, and courtyards that foster meaningful indoor-outdoor connections. Breaking the home into smaller components minimized the projectâs square footage, and therefore cost and carbon footprint, while allowing the buildings to rest lightly and gracefully on the narrow ridge. What began as inspiration drawn from Tuscany evolved into a modern translation - an understated and timeless retreat, carefully crafted and sensitively attuned to its site, where architecture, landscape, and lifestyle meld seamlessly. The design integrates historical character with modern detailing and performance, creating a home deeply responsive to its siteâa former hillside meadow of native grasses now restored after years of invasive species growth. Guided by early site and climate analysis, the plan arranges multiple detached structures that step with the natural grade, reducing visual impact, minimizing grading, and preserving terrain. Resilient design features address wildfire risk and climate change, supporting long-term durability. Passive strategiesâoptimized solar orientation, natural ventilation, daylighting,âcombine with high-performance windows, all-electric mechanical systems, on-site renewable energy production and storage to target net-zero energy use. Natural, warm materials further root the architecture to its setting. Local St. Helena Cottage stone and reclaimed teak harmonize the project with its environment. Thick, solid granite walls anchor the pavilions to the site, while carefully carved openings frame valley views through the tree canopy. Deep overhangs and shaded recesses temper the sun, and breezeways between buildings capture prevailing winds. A tower and roof deck above the living pavilion lift residents into the treetops, offering panoramic views of the surrounding preserve. Stone Villa is in the Santa Lucia Preserve, a private community nestled in the coastal hills between Carmel and Big Sur that spans 20,000 acres, 18,000 of which are protected in perpetuity by the Santa Lucia Conservancy, a nonprofit land trust that works to advocate for the ecological integrity of the protected lands. The remaining 10% of the land is set aside for infrastructure, private club amenities, and just 297 homesites.
Details
4,637 sq ft
