Meadow House

This multigenerational home in the Santa Lucia Preserve in Carmel Valley is a model project for contemporary, site sensitive design. The site plan was strongly informed by context: a broad sloping meadow rimmed by a stately presence of signature oaks. Landscape walls and gracious ramps interconnect the buildings to create a welcoming ceremonial terrace. This central space was scaled to accommodate weddings and large gatherings. Several conversational-scaled spaces spin off this terrace. A sunken gravel patio is set up to be furnished with fire pits or a family dining table, depending on the time of year and the festivity. Dynamic use of space and volume, from indoors to out, maximizes the built environment as it graciously responds to the natural setting of the site. Using regionally sourced materials and native plantings, the landscape showcases sustainable detailing, maintains native ecosystems and honors wildlife corridors.