Details
Location
The Sea Ranch, CA
Status
Planning
Date
2026
Role
Architect
Location
The Sea Ranch, CA
Status
Planning
Date
2026
Role
Architect
Project Description
The house is an observatory for contemplating and connecting with the forest. As much as possible we want to preserve and highlight the existing character of the forest. The house is situated within an existing clearing and has a small footprint to avoid removal or damage to existing large diameter trees. The proposed home location preserves the neighbor’s primary views and maintains as much of the site as possible as untouched forest.
The program is spread across three levels, taking advantage of the relaxed height limit of the forest context to vertically stack the program while maintaining a small footprint. Primary living spaces are lifted above the understory providing unique views up into the forest canopy with hints of view toward both the ocean to the west and the ridge top to the northeast.
The stacked living spaces reflect a progression from least to most private. Level 1 consists of a ceramics studio and multi-use (office/bedroom) space. Level 2 houses the main living spaces, with the master bedroom on level 3.
The house frames views (and captures light) in all directions, at all levels; views up into the filtered light of the forest, but also toward the ridge line, ocean, across the forest floor, through the understory, and into the canopy. There is no dominant view or big gesture, but rather a collection of sensory moments through the different layers of the forest.
The house is an observatory for contemplating and connecting with the forest. As much as possible we want to preserve and highlight the existing character of the forest. The house is situated within an existing clearing and has a small footprint to avoid removal or damage to existing large diameter trees. The proposed home location preserves the neighbor’s primary views and maintains as much of the site as possible as untouched forest.
The program is spread across three levels, taking advantage of the relaxed height limit of the forest context to vertically stack the program while maintaining a small footprint. Primary living spaces are lifted above the understory providing unique views up into the forest canopy with hints of view toward both the ocean to the west and the ridge top to the northeast.
The stacked living spaces reflect a progression from least to most private. Level 1 consists of a ceramics studio and multi-use (office/bedroom) space. Level 2 houses the main living spaces, with the master bedroom on level 3.
The house frames views (and captures light) in all directions, at all levels; views up into the filtered light of the forest, but also toward the ridge line, ocean, across the forest floor, through the understory, and into the canopy. There is no dominant view or big gesture, but rather a collection of sensory moments through the different layers of the forest.