Rau House / Feldman Architecture

© Adam Rouse

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https://www.archdaily.com/1002831/rau-haus-feldman-architecture
© Adam Rouse

Text description of the architects. A couple with a young daughter looking to get out of town in search of more space turned to Feldman Architecture to design a new home – a modern, secluded residence with a dedicated area for accommodating family and friends. The team’s vision focused on providing visitors with a site with breathtaking views of the Coal Creek Open Space Preserve while offering a rare, distant view of the San Francisco Bay to the north. Central to the design is the careful alignment of public and private living spaces for views while creating a sense of privacy from the neighboring properties above. The building’s 3,433-square-foot L-shaped floor plan gently hugs the eastern slope, creating a space for al fresco moments and framing diverse views from the indoor living spaces.

© Adam Rousesite plan© Adam Rouse

The volumes are carefully articulated in order to obscure the view of the surrounding properties as little as possible. The main wing runs north-south, expanding vertically into a double-height kitchen and dining area while visually connecting the main level with a work loft and upstairs bedrooms. Light wells and clerestory windows on the east façade welcome the morning light and offer views of the countryside without compromising privacy. A single-story structure topped by a green roof extends vertically – blending into the surrounding landscape and creating a multi-purpose space for play, exercise and entertainment at pool level. The infinity pool acts as a threshold where the well-groomed landscape merges into the original meadow landscape.

© Adam Rouse© Adam Rouse

Bay views to the north are captured from the main suite and public from an observation deck. It was important to the builders that this roof terrace be accessible to the public without compromising the privacy of their bedroom. Low-maintenance, durable materials define the material palette: exterior concrete clads the second floor, and Monterey cypress cladding that resists the weather over time elegantly connects the main level. The cement render and cypress batons are stacked geometrically and blend seamlessly with the interior – understated, modern and clean materiality sets the tone for the interior and landscape moments.

© Adam RouseFloor plan 1st floor

At Rau’s house, a 6.24 kW PV array provides the home with 9,777 kWh of renewable energy per year, and two Heliodyne solar panels power a 119-gallon storage tank. The house is equipped with all indoor electrical appliances and an electric heat pump HVAC system combined with passive heating and cooling strategies ensure the house stays at the right temperature all year round. The design utilizes deep overhangs and recessed windows to provide passive solar shading, and thoughtfully placed operable doors, windows and skylights encourage cross ventilation in all living spaces. Outdoor terraces with different shading throughout the house allow comfortable use at different times of the day. Site-salvaged and milled Monterey cypress siding is naturally weathered with no additional post-processing, and all concrete is mixed with 30% fly ash to reduce the project’s carbon content.

© Adam Rouse© Adam Rouse

“This project allowed us to create a space of calm and balance, with a design that creates horizontal and vertical connections within and with the landscape. It was expertly executed by the client, who took wonderful care and precision in the details and material connections.” Steven Stept, AIA, Project Manager. – “Below the quiet design sensibility lies a rigorous articulation of forms and spaces, precisely detailed within a carefully curated palette of materials. “The home reflects the spirit of the place and sets the stage for everyday life to unfold,” says Anjali Iyer, LEED AP, project architect.

© Adam Rouse

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