Location: Sunol, California

This program called for an earth friendly family retreat atop a mountain. The owner wanted their house to "breath". They prohibited the use of toxic material in any part of its construction.

This collection of buildings, includes the main house, guest house, bath house and garage, all partially below grade, covered with a sod roof. The sod serves to camouflage the house from a nearby wilderness park, and to keep the interior cool during the summer months.

The main house contains a living wing and sleeping quarters separated by a glass atrium. Three water features are used to add the sound and sight of moving water to further cool the complex.

Although sited among a grove of oak trees (not shown for clarity), sun powered louvers are used to protect exposed glazing during the hot summer months, and reverses the process in the winter. Mechanical means of this type, the use of natural materials, and the use of solar collectors blend to make a comfortable home that is both environmentally sensitive and consistent with its setting.