The original 1950s Bay Area home on the lot was torn down due to structural problems. In its place, this structure was erected around the site’s existing pond. To take advantage of the scenic views of water, the home was built as four buildings, the main house, study, pool house and garage, that all come right up against the water’s edge. Large sliding glass doors from the buildings open up towards the pond, providing an immediate connection with nature as well as a good dose of natural ventilation.

Beyond the stunning exteriors and clean and simple interior, the home is greener than it appears. On the roof, solar photovoltaic panels and a solar hot water system give the home some green cred. An effective combination of stone floors and a radiant floor heating system provide heating during those cooler months in the Bay Area. Additionally, the home utilizes high fly-ash concrete, formaldehyde-free casework and denim insulation.  And despite the warm temperatures during the summer on the South part of the peninsula, the home has no air conditioning and relies on natural ventilation from operable windows and doors, shading from the large roof overhangs and the versatile stone floors to help keep things cool.

Even though the home is built just outside of San Francisco, it design helps it feel as though it were in a secluded location — providing a relaxing getaway for both the owners and their guests. With eco features and an interior that opens up and blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor, this beautiful home breezily achieves a sustainable elegance that is simply stated and integrated with sophistication.

+ Turnbull Griffin Haesloop Architects

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