Private Residence

Framework for Design Excellence Narrative

ECOSYSTEMS

One of the key goals of this project was to create a suitable environment for the owner’s existing koi fish -an effort that ultimately informed and elevated the entire design. The result is a self-sustaining, micro-bionomic ecosystem that supports not only the koi but also enhances the wellbeing of the owner and the health of the surrounding land. What began as a challenge to provide protection and a habitat for the koi evolved into a rich design opportunity: the koi environment became a central organizing feature, weaving ecological purpose into every layer of the project.

 

This microenvironment plays a critical role in supporting local biodiversity and buffering the site from the increasingly volatile effects of climate change. Biofilter and bioretention areas were strategically integrated using native vegetation and natural filtration systems to improve water quality and habitat resilience. These nature-based solutions have directly improved the site's existing ecology and offer long-term environmental benefits. The land has been left better than when the project began.

 

The landscape requires no potable water for irrigation—an achievement made possible through careful hydrological design and the selection of more than 85% native and adaptive plant species. In studying the site's natural topography, the design team redirected stormwater to recharge bioretention zones, effectively mitigating the impact of more frequent and intense rainfall events.

 

Beyond supporting koi, the landscape has become a refuge for migratory birds and other local species, enhancing the broader ecological network. The project also incorporates geothermal energy systems, reinforcing their commitment to sustainable, regenerative design and reducing reliance on carbon-intensive energy sources. This project stands as a model of biodiversity-focused, regenerative architecture where the built form and living systems coalesce into a resilient, responsive, and beautiful whole.


**WELL-BEING**

Conceived as a retreat for mental, physical, and social well-being, the project is deeply rooted in the principles of biophilic design, fostering a seamless connection between people and nature. The design blurs the boundaries between inside and out, offering restorative experiences through natural light, fresh air, a warm ambiance of natural materials, and carefully framed vistas that guide the eye toward the surrounding landscape. Every space was crafted with the intention to calm, to inspire, and to nurture.

Natural materials such as wood and stone are used throughout the interiors, offering tactile richness and visual warmth. These elements, paired with soft textures and a palette of earth tones, support a sense of grounded comfort and serenity. Spaces expand and contract as occupants move through the home, creating a rhythmic experience of intimacy and openness without overwhelming scale. The cozy interiors are balanced by broad connections to the outdoors, inviting daylight deep into each room while maintaining a tranquil atmosphere.

 

A comprehensive lighting strategy emphasizes circadian health and sensory comfort. Abundant natural light is supplemented by soft, indirect electric lighting indoors and low-level path lighting outdoors. This provides safety and nighttime enjoyment without contributing to light pollution. The home minimizes exposure to chemical toxins through the careful selection of healthy materials, enhanced air filtration, operable windows, and the elimination of combustion-based appliances.

Movement and activity are encouraged through the flow of interconnected spaces, while the outdoor gardening areas provide opportunities for nourishment, engagement with the land, and seasonal rhythm. A dedicated canning room extends the home’s support of wellness through food preservation and self-sufficiency.

 

This project exemplifies a holistic approach to human health where architecture promotes not just shelter, but emotional balance, physical vitality, and a meaningful connection to the natural world.


**DISCOVERY**

From its earliest conception, the project was guided by a spirit of discovery. Rather than revealing itself all at once, the design encourages a slow unfolding of experience, shaped by movement, light, and the client’s deep personal connection to place. The owner’s long-standing passion for koi became a generative element in the design process, informing site strategy, spatial orientation, and landscape integration. The koi habitat serves as both ecological infrastructure and a living focal point, bringing vitality and whimsy into daily life.

 

The architecture celebrates the natural qualities of the site through a sequence of framed views and thresholds that choreograph moments of visual and sensory engagement. Shifting light conditions, layered transparency, and the integration of native vegetation create a dynamic relationship between interior and exterior environments. The owner’s art collection is displayed to be viewed not only from within the home, but also through the architecture itself, with curated alignments offering unexpected glimpses from the landscape.

 

Organizational clarity is established through a central spine from which discrete programmatic elements branch off. This linear circulation strategy allows for a balance between community and privacy, supporting both separation and connection. Spaces along this spine are revealed incrementally, with transitions marked by changes in scale, material texture, and light quality. Intimate conversation areas and sculpted niches invite pause and encourage interaction, while also offering moments of solitude.


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LEED/Green Certifications

N/A

Price/sq. ft. if provided

Confidential