Forest house

A rain screen made of heavy-gauge steel mimics the bark of a neighboring tree, protecting the wood-framed home’s vulnerable area from wildfires while also acting as a large spark arrestor. The elongated, south-facing rectangle collects solar energy in the winter. The 4,500-square-foot, four-bedroom home features radiant heat, as well as improved glazing, mechanical electrical, and insulation. Low operating costs contribute to sustainability. Materiality and fenestration are arranged as dark-light inversions that echo the behavior of the forest. The movement along the route to the entry point connects with the home before the entrance. Translucent green glass screens color the entryway in a color that is associated with the tone of the surrounding evergreen forest.

Inside, a solid sliding glass door facing south opens the living area to a covered terrace that “floats” directly above the ground without railings. Materials used throughout the house include cut basalt flooring, raw teak ceilings and floors, tiled concrete and white plaster. Solid ceiling niches conceal light fixtures and fire sprinklers. Three-dimensional skylights extend from the roof to the wall, allowing light to enter and providing a view of the stars at night. Polished galvanized steel panels by the fireplaces reflect the images and movements of the residents throughout the day.