ARCHITECTURE
DAVIS
Architect : Pam Whitehead and Paul Almond , Sage Architecture Clients : Harold and Liz Schmitz
PHOTOS BY ABRAHAM & PAULIN PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF SAGE ARCHITECTURE
East Coast transplants Harold and Liz Schmitz were looking for a change after living in a traditional Maryland colonial . They liked the idea of a quintessential modern California home with year-round outdoor living but didn ’ t want to go too far . “ The most challenging part of the building process was grappling with the feelings of fear that the design might perhaps be too modern for our taste ,” Liz says . “ But during the design process , Sage ( Architecture ) made us comfortable that we could enjoy all the benefits of modern , including clean lines and energy sustainability , while maintaining the feeling of warmth that we were looking for .”
The design incorporates undulating , curving roof lines that open to the sky and mimic the nearby rolling hills . The expressive nature of the roof created opportunities for the architects to bring in lots of natural light in the winter months , while designing natural overhangs that protect during the summer months . Much of the home is clad in horizontal tongue-andgroove cedar siding . Box elements used to frame portal views and entry elements feature large gray tiles that resemble metal panels , while the interior face is a contrasting smooth white plaster . A standing seam metal roof and metal clad exterior complement the modern design . Textural elements like limestone that are introduced on the exterior slice through the building to present in the interior spaces . “ That ’ s one of the things we like to do ,” says Whitehead . “ If we use a material on the outside and we have a big opening , we ’ ll always pull that material inside , because we love to blur the line between the interior and exterior spaces .”
The custom-designed wood-and-steel front door opens to an intimate foyer with see-through fireplace , creating a soft barrier between the entry and living spaces . The dining room , on the opposite side of the entry fireplace , has sweeping ceilings and a massive live-edge table designed by the architects . The floors are a smooth-grain natural European oak , and the cabinetry is natural walnut . Accordion doors in the master suite give way to a tranquil yoga deck that connects to the outdoor spa , and a wall of windows frames a view of the swimming pool that abuts the edge of the glass . An outdoor dining space completes the oasis . Separate guest quarters comfortably house visitors , and a solo office space offers coastal range views from its second-story perch .
“ The complexity of the overall design and getting the materials to all marry together with one another was a challenge , but the repeated design elements throughout the house make your eye understand how everything ties together ,” says Whitehead .
74 comstocksmag . com | January 2021