California Modern House

The family moved from California to St. Louis and wanted to bring their Californian lifestyle with them. We created an 11,000 s.f. home from them which is private from street view yet explodes out the back to its magnificent landscaping and grounds. From the street, you cross the water course from guest parking, onto the bridge and then the footpath leading to the front door, across the moat. Once inside, one sees the amazing landscaping and the stairs that are a focal point and connect all three levels vertically. The stairs overlook the water course. The stairs are a focal point of the house and are a sculptural piece, floating and in a cantilevered corner.

Public spaces on the main floor open into one another and share materiality.

There are balconies and terraces on all three levels. One travels out to the private pond, swimming pool, and lazy river from the lower level. From the kitchen, one goes to the outdoor garden and the secret screened porch and from the top level, one views the grounds from the Owners’ private balcony or the shared balconies for the children and guests.

The main floor is open and views to their grounds are spectacular.

Private spaces are whimsical. There is a secret passageway connecting the children’s bedrooms with the guest room, and also to a secret play room.

Material selection was of paramount importance, combining stone, stucco, wood and glass. Stone slabs were selected for the interior, then polished and tailored. Please note the stone see-through fireplace at the gathering room.

There is a virtual solar farm on the roof, with solar panels on the south façade integrated into the shading devices. The Owners drive electric cars and are energy conscious and work to reduce their energy footprint.