Modern Sustainability in Big Sur

The team took inspiration from the surrounding landscape, cutting a shelf into the gentle hillside to make the home feel one with nature.

As you step into the home’s entry, you are surrounded by a neutral material palette and look directly through 3 clear sliders that open into the courtyard. The guest wing is to your left and the main living cube and view to the ocean is to your right. Concrete flooring was selected to compliment the stone and is used for flooring in the connectors of the living cubes. The reclaimed ceiling from wine barrels extends from the main living cube into the entry creating a warm welcome.

The “Kauri” dining table by Rea 1920 and “Ginger” dining chairs by Poltrona Frau sit center stage within the dining room, flanked by ocean views to the west and the interior courtyard to the east.

In the kitchen, cabinetry by Sozo Studio is suspended in front of a raspberry and gold tile mosaic by Bisazza that was inspired by the Mark Rothko painting “White Center.”

Studio Schicketanz created a separate scullery kitchen in the open pantry behind the kitchen, with a larger sink and dishwasher out of site from the dining area.

Studio Schicketanz created the ultimate indoor and outdoor relationship for this uniquely sited residence.

The Living Room furnishings were selected for their shape and comfort and the materials of the furnishings were kept neutral as a reflection of the architectural finishes. Cognac leather on the Moooi swivel chairs speaks to the warm oak boards on the floor and ceiling. These are also functional pieces allowing one to swivel towards the ocean, courtyard, and dining/kitchen.

Artwork by Eric Gushee hangs on the custom hued Venetian plaster accent wall. The ceiling and flooring were kept neutral allowing south and north walls to become an accent with pops of color. The exterior plaster wraps into the main living area around into the connector and onto the portion of the eastern wall opening to the entry.

A glass wall offers stunning views into the central courtyard.

The central courtyard allows for a respite from the coastal wind and nearby wildlife.

The courtyard is both supported and framed by a 400 ft long rock wall, made from locally sourced Hollister Granite. It serves as a central place to gather and enjoy nature with direct views of the hills. The neutral material palette was chosen to blend with the surrounding meadow and hills.

An outdoor shower off of the primary bedroom creates a luxurious experience that feels integrated into the landscape.

The media room showcases a darker furniture palette with Flexform’s cozy “Soft Dream” sectional, B&B Italia “Fat Fat Lady” poufs and a “Metropolitan” arm chair. The dark woven Philip Jeffries wall covering sets the mood for relaxation.

A view from across the living spaces looking into the primary bedroom.

Silvia Poloto’s “Wabi Sabi” from Kneedler Fauchere anchors the neutral tones in the primary bedroom.

The guest suite is located on the northeast side of the home, creating a separation from the main living areas. The east wall of the guest suite is a portion of the stone retaining wall that is carved into the hillside that spans the length of the home. Glazed sliders open to the courtyard and look out to the main living space and connector to the primary suite.

Custom cabinetry and “Litze” Collection fixtures by Brizo can be found in the primary bathroom.

The “Vegas” tub by Concreteworks is prominently featured below a circular skylight in the primary bathroom.

The residence consists of four separate “cubes,” separating living and sleeping quarters. The primary three cubes on the western side are comprised of floor-to-ceiling glazed sliders, serving as the western walls, which take maximum advantage of the expansive views of the Pacific ocean, as well as allow for strong connections to the pool. The fourth cube, the guest suite, faces the hills and courtyard.

The project’s largest design challenge provided the most innovative design solutions. In accordance with local planning laws, the new building had to remain invisible from Highway One. So the team created the building site by cutting a shelf into the gentle hill side. The resulting 15’ high retaining wall is curvilinearly shaped to better blend with the land.