Awarded honors as one of its “Homes of the Year” by the Wall Street Journal, this SANDBOX-designed 6,700 square foot residence by Raftery Construction, broke ground in Summer 2010 and finished in Fall of 2011. The home is a great fusion of modernist design & mountain architecture, melding indigenous mountain materials, such as Cedar, heavy timber framing and local stone on the exterior of the home, with large expanses of glass, dramatic cantilevered volumes and contemporary finish detailing on the interior. The result is an inspiring design unlike any other residence in Martis Camp! Photo (above) by James Cole showing the rear of the home at twilight.
Designed as a primary residence for the owner-builder from Las Vegas & his family, the home occupies one of the best sites in all of Martis Camp, at almost three acres in size and with sweeping views of the Martis Valley. The interior of the home is all about capturing the view, with window/door walls in virtually every room. The Great Room, as can be seen in the above photo by James Cole, as well as the Kitchen/Dining areas, each has 12-14’ of glass doors that disappear completely into the wall, capturing the panoramic views and creating a true open-air experience leading out to the deck areas – the feeling as if you are almost up in the trees!
Despite its modernist flair, SANDBOX let the site deeply influence the design, capturing natural light and views throughout the home, successfully rooting the home in its natural setting with a monolithic stone base and use of native materials, and preserving native vegetation whenever possible. For example, on approach to the entry, a heavy timber bridge structure cantilevers from a stone buttress wall, spanning a dry creek bed and flying past a large existing Sugar Pine tree in dramatic fashion to meet a glass-walled stair tower. The predominantly shed-roofed forms also echo simple lines associated with modernism, yet function well in snow country. Photo (above) by James Cole showing the dramatic glass stair element, with the Sugar Pine tree and stone wall beyond.
At the front of the residence, two 10-foot-high stone site walls flank the drive, screening and protecting the entry courtyard, serving to create some mystery upon approach and frame the dramatic view of the Martis Valley as one arrives. At the rear of the residence, the site opens up in spectacular fashion with expansive window glazing, disappearing glass door walls and a series of outdoor living spaces that terrace down the hill, affording views, sun and room for a sunken spa, outdoor kitchen and firepit. Photo (above) by James Cole showing the front approach to the home with the stone walls flanking the drive.
All of the interior spaces are very generously sized. For example, no hallway is less than five feet in width. The Master Suite Bath, as shown above in the photo by James Cole, has his and her walk-in closets and dual floating vanities, a free-standing tub, toilet closet, and an over-sized steam shower. Modern light-colored tile work makes the room feel luxurious and even larger than it actually is.
The Master Suite is topped with the only gable roof in the complex as a gesture to the familiar alpine element of the area. Walnut cabinetry, doors, and custom-made furniture add warmth throughout the home. Photo (above) by James Cole shows the spacious Master Bedroom, with its vaulted heavy timber ceiling, a sitting area by the fireplace, custom Walnut bed, bedwall and nightstands, and a deck overlooking the Martis Valley view beyond.
Custom detailing is prevalent throughout the home and contributes to its uniqueness. Photo (above) by James Cole showing the custom cast full-length concrete sink in one of the guest baths.
