ARCHITECTURE
TRUCKEE
Architects : Pam Whitehead and Paul Almond , Sage Architecture Clients : Michael and Evelyn Heller
PHOTOS BY VAN FOX PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF SAGE ARCHITECTURE
Aptly named the Flight House for its oversized , sweeping rooflines , the modern Truckee residence is hard to ignore . Tucked in the expansive Martis Valley , the distinctive home has been compared to art in motion . Designed by Sacramento-based Sage Architecture as a second home , the clients — Michael and Evelyn Heller , who are well-versed in art and architecture ( Michael owns Heller Pacific , a real estate development company ) — granted the architects free rein in the way the program elements would combine with the site . “ That gave us the ability to look at architecture as art and sculpture ,” says Sage cofounder Pam Whitehead . “ It was very much about shapes and their engagement with the land .”
A heavily forested and sloping lot dictated the parameters of the usable space . A sheltered patio space was placed at the front of the house to capitalize on the views and solar orientation . A front courtyard area and grassy expanse wraps around the elongated entry and provided a safe and protected place for the couple ’ s twin daughters to play ( the home has since been sold ). Natural materials that stand up to the extreme winter weather include stained cedar , Corten steel , a standing seam roof , glulam beams and steel columns . The soaring , engineered wood beams are expressive and exposed and give the home its unique shape and character . Designing for the extreme climate was a challenging undertaking for the architects and the clients . The structural design and snow-load requirements had to be carefully balanced with the modern aesthetic .
Adding a significant amount of glass also meant complying with the California Energy Code . Deep overhangs were used in strategic places to provide shelter from the summer sun and allow for sun penetration in the winter . The natural , muted tones were duplicated on the interior with horizontal cedar slats covering walls and ceilings . Grays and whites were selected for the paint colors and the finishes to accentuate the modern spaces . The floors are reclaimed teak and polished concrete , with radiant heat throughout . The architects designed the custom walnut cabinetry , and quartz composite countertops were added for their beauty and durability .
In the open great room , an oversized fireplace features a lengthy , floating hearth fabricated from poured concrete . A front office space is encased in glass and elevated , giving the room a private wraparound view . The elongated overhead beams jut out to a terminus beyond the home ’ s footprint . Michael Heller says the office prow is “ one of my favorite elements on the home . That and the roof lines . Both features are so unique .”
70 comstocksmag . com | January 2021