The Ash Tree House
La Nony FAMILI
Photo credit:
Ulysse lemersie Bouchard - OSA images
Swatt + Partners Defines California Modern Luxury
Swatt + Partners
In Northern California, a ridge-top parcel filled with native trees like Pacific Madrone and California Bay Laurel provides the setting for Whispering Stones — a modern, wine country estate by Swatt + Partners.
Photo credit:
Tim Griffith
Swatt + Partners Defines California Modern Luxury
Swatt + Partners
Whispering Stones is connected from the road by a sinuous 2/3 mile long drive routed to preserve as much of the natural landscape as possible.
Photo credit:
Tim Griffith
Swatt + Partners Defines California Modern Luxury
Swatt + Partners
Set within a 38-acre parcel, Whispering Stones encompasses three-levels across 8,500 square feet.
Photo credit:
Tim Griffith
Swatt + Partners Defines California Modern Luxury
Swatt + Partners
Precise, rectilinear geometry in bold horizontal strokes is a sharp contrast to the undulating and native landscape.
Photo credit:
Tim Griffith
Swatt + Partners Defines California Modern Luxury
Swatt + Partners
The entrance to Whispering Stones features a glass bridge, centered in the linear arrangement of spaces.
Photo credit:
Tim Griffith
Swatt + Partners Defines California Modern Luxury
Swatt + Partners
Near the entrance, a steel-plate mounted Braille wall—elevated 8 inches above the finish floor—features a Frank Lloyd Wright quote that reads, "The longer I live, the more beautiful life becomes."
Photo credit:
Tim Griffith
Swatt + Partners Defines California Modern Luxury
Swatt + Partners
The glass bridge and Braille wall compress the volume between the entrance and the double-height living area and kitchen.
Photo credit:
Tim Griffith
Swatt + Partners Defines California Modern Luxury
Swatt + Partners
Featuring concrete, glass, stainless steel and Western Cedar, the materiality beautifully amplifies the precise geometry of the architecture.
Photo credit:
Tim Griffith
Swatt + Partners Defines California Modern Luxury
Swatt + Partners
Elegant and gracious interior spaces, such as this glass-wall surrounded dining area, offer an abundance of natural light and strong indoor-outdoor connections.
Photo credit:
Tim Griffith
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Swatt + Partners Defines California Modern Luxury
Swatt + Partners
The main level features in-floor zoned radiant heat underfoot.
Photo credit:
Tim Griffith
Swatt + Partners Defines California Modern Luxury
Swatt + Partners
The glass bridge above the entrance is accessed from the main level through a stair tower.
Photo credit:
Tim Griffith
Swatt + Partners Defines California Modern Luxury
Swatt + Partners
Thermal mass of the stair tower's cast-in-place concrete walls help modulate temperature fluctuations.
Photo credit:
Tim Griffith
Swatt + Partners Defines California Modern Luxury
Swatt + Partners
Flanked by a glass wall on one side and view of the main level on the other, the 40 foot long glass bridge connects the bedrooms to the roof terrace.
Photo credit:
Tim Griffith
Swatt + Partners Defines California Modern Luxury
Swatt + Partners
In the hallway leading to two guest bedrooms, a sun-cast geometric pattern echoes the architecture.
Photo credit:
Tim Griffith
Swatt + Partners Defines California Modern Luxury
Swatt + Partners
The primary bedroom includes en suite bathroom and a private deck, as well as stunning nearly-tree top views.
Photo credit:
Tim Griffith
Swatt + Partners Defines California Modern Luxury
Swatt + Partners
One of several shade terraces that engage with the natural landscape.
Photo credit:
Tim Griffith
Swatt + Partners Defines California Modern Luxury
Swatt + Partners
In one of three bedrooms, a horizontal window offers a teaser view of the natural surroundings.
Photo credit:
Tim Griffith
Swatt + Partners Defines California Modern Luxury
Swatt + Partners
Indoor water-efficient and water-conserving plumbing fixtures and fittings are used throughout.
Photo credit:
Tim Griffith
Swatt + Partners Defines California Modern Luxury
Swatt + Partners
Responsibly sourced materials and finishes include low VOC paints and adhesives, and FSC forest products for all decks and wood siding.
Photo credit:
Tim Griffith
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