Designed for a spectacular site in the Alpine Peaks valley near Lake Tahoe, California, this house is a blend of modern materials and detailing with traditional Alpine forms. An intensive site specific design process created an open floor plan with ample glazing and perfectly framed views. The main living space resides under a dramatic open beam ceiling with heavy timber trusses and ridge skylights. View of Rear/South Elevation (above).
The homesite is surrounded by Forest Service land on three sides. SANDBOX designed the home with several decks that are accessible from almost every room to encourage the inhabitants to gaze out over hundreds of acres of pristine Tahoe wilderness! View of partial Side/East Elevation (above) with the Upper Level Master Suite Balcony and the Guest Master Patio below.
The grand, vaulted ceiling of the Great Room is immediately visible upon entry to the home. The beautiful reclaimed Douglas Fir trusses supporting the roof structure were hand crafted in Montana by true craftsmen using traditional peg joinery. A 12-foot long ridge skylight allows the inhabitants to gaze up at the deep blue sky from inside the room and watch the clouds float by. Combined with a large stone fireplace, these features give the Great Room the feel of a mountain lodge. View from Entry to Great Room (above).
The open Kitchen, with slab granite counter tops, custom cabinetry and the latest in modern appliances, is easily accessible from the Dining Room, Great Room and Entry. Modest in size yet more than adequate for the average second home owner, the Kitchen feels much larger than it is thanks to the vaulted ceiling and open floor plan. Partial view of Kitchen (above).
There is a separate formal Dining Room complete with vaulted wood ceilings, a wet bar and a West-facing deck for watching the evening sunsets. View from Dining Room towards Kitchen/Great Room (above left). All of the bedrooms have lots of glass with views of the surrounding wilderness. View of Master Bedroom sleeping area (above right).
The homesite has a significant down slope, meaning much of the home is not visible from the road. The house steps down with the natural topography, growing away from the road to gain privacy. Partial Front/North Elevation with the covered, terraced Entry Walk and the detached 2-car Garage (above).
Construction began in Summer of 2002 and lasted for almost twelve months. The heavy snows of the Ward Valley presented some challenges. Partial view of Side/West Elevation through the trees (above).
