The program for the house was straightforward and carefully organized around the site’s steep slope. Upon entering the home, expansive valley views immediately open up through the living room, where a vaulted ceiling clearly invites the outdoors inside. The kitchen and dining areas are oriented toward the views, fully engaging the dramatic topography. An upper deck with a minimal railing system preserves uninterrupted sightlines from the living room while seated.

A small office and guest room are located on one side of the plan, while the primary bedroom is positioned opposite, creating privacy and separation within a compact footprint. The massing and height of the house were carefully considered in response to the hillside setting and surrounding neighborhood. Together with the clients, a range of siding patterns and color variations were explored, resulting in a layered exterior palette of deep green, teal, and warm brown tones. An aluminum cedar siding at the entry gable façade subtly highlights the main entrance while reinforcing the home’s contemporary character.

Several client wishes and site constraints guided key design decisions. Views were carefully framed not only from the main living spaces but also during more intimate moments—such as the built-in seating and soaking tub in the primary bathroom. In the living room, the goal was to create a comfortable, inviting space that feels open to the landscape while remaining grounded and sheltered.

Due to the steep nature of the site, the crawl space was designed as a full-height enclosed basement. This provided future flexibility for wine storage and additional storage needs while maintaining clean exterior lines and a restrained architectural expression.

A passion for gardening was also central to the project. A greenhouse was a must for the owners and was carefully sited to receive ample sunlight throughout the day. While visually secondary to the primary views, it remains easily accessible from the lower level of the house. Given the slope, special care was taken to ensure safe and comfortable access—avoiding steep paths or long stair sequences—so daily use remains practical and enjoyable.