Villa D
In the forests just above San Francisco, surrounded by lush nature, Matter Makers has designed a detached villa for a young family. During the first meeting, the clients presented a unique challenge: their requests seemed contradictory at first glance. On one hand, they desired a modern villa with a sleek, flat roof, offering them the space for a contemporary, open layout. On the other hand, they wanted a pitched roof to provide the necessary height and space for an atelier where they sometimes create and work on large objects.
Client: Private
Project: Villa D
Location: Bodega Bay, California, USA
Location: Bodega Bay, California, USA
Program: Villa
Size: 500 m2
Status: Work in progress
Status: Work in progress
This apparent contradiction led to a surprising solution. The villa's design features a roof that gradually transitions from a pitched shape on one side to a flat roof on the other. This distinctive roof form is not only a visual statement but also meets both of the clients' requirements. The roof provides the needed space for the atelier, while the modern look of the flat-roofed sides gives the villa a contemporary and elegant appearance.
The construction of the house is based on a solid wooden frame, with roof trusses that gradually decrease in slope as they move away from the atelier. This creates a smooth transition from the pitched roof to the flat section, which is not only functional but also aesthetically interesting. The villa's façade is finished with lime plaster, giving it a warm, earthy look that blends well with the natural surroundings. The wood used is locally sourced, which not only contributes to the building's sustainability but also emphasizes the connection with the surrounding nature.
The design of the house focuses on making the most of the breathtaking views offered by the surrounding forests. Large windows and strategically placed openings allow the residents to experience the forest from various angles. One of the highlights is a cozy seating area that overlooks the garden and the surrounding trees. In the early morning, when the sun shines through the leaves, a beautiful play of light and shadow occurs, creating a particularly serene atmosphere in the space.
This seating area was designed as a place to start the day quietly, with the natural light acting as an ever-changing painting on the wall.
The L-shaped floor plan of the villa embraces the backyard, forming a sort of frame around outdoor living. This layout ensures that the garden becomes a central element of the design, with direct access from the main living spaces of the house. The backyard not only serves as a visual extension of the interior but also offers a private space where the family can relax and enjoy nature without the feeling of the outside world intruding.
By combining form and function, the villa's design not only fulfills the clients' wishes but also creates a harmonious whole that fits perfectly within its wooded surroundings.