Ojai, California: Award-Winning Green Modern on 40 Acres

Designed by David Ferrin of Arketype Architects, built by Allen and Associates, and the recipient of the 2010 Ojai Green Coalition Award for environmentally-conscious construction; the Swift-Bogenberger residence offers a sophisticated, yet rural, lifestyle just minutes to Downtown Ojai.

The natural land is 40 acres including rolling hills and flat areas for other uses. Oak trees and sandstone boulders dot the landscape, creating an other-worldly feeling of privacy and seclusion. There are many areas for building additional structures or for farming. A paved driveway lined with olive trees is an easy approach to this beautiful site.

The modern residence is designed with two wings – one for living and one for sleeping – and opens to an indigenous botanical garden overlooking the advanced-technology pool and Topa Topa mountains which are framed by a tapestry of rolling hills. One visitor even commented that the property “feels like New Zealand in Ojai.”

Designed for a small family, the modestly-sized home offers a glass foyer, a great room that opens to the gardens, a European kitchen with a pantry, a gallery hallway, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a darkroom, and a laundry/utility room. It is served by the Casitas Water District, and also offers natural gas for cooking, though the existing stove is electric. A photovoltaic system is integrated into the metal roof and supplies all of the electricity for the property. In addition, the stone floors are heated by hydronic radiant floor heating.

The single-level home boasts not one step, and is designed to pull nature inside with its many reflections, vistas, and direct access to the land; while also reflecting natural elements in its use of fossilized stone flooring, and organic materials such as recycled wood-fiber concrete blocks, steel, and glass. It’s mold-resistant limestone plaster finishes are blended with vibrantly-colored crushed stone which compliments the many hues of the exterior sky, hills, trees, and flowers.

Surrounding the home, an oak forest provides ample shade and all of the trees are numbered by an Arborist, reflecting the care and attention that the Owners have given to the land. The property also includes a detached two-car garage and finished studio that may be used as a workshop or art studio.

This property offers so much to the Buyer who appreciates award-winning design, green construction, privacy, Topa Topa “Pink Moment” views, and easy access to Ojai. With its low-maintenance gardens, and efficient utility usage, this could be the perfect home for your Ojai retreat!