Feldman Architecture, Inc.

Caterpillar House

Caterpillar House
© Joe Fletcher

CATERPILLAR HOUSE

Feldman Architecture

PHOTOGRAPHS
Joe Fletcher

AREA
2800.0 m2

PROJECT YEAR
2010

LOCATION
Carmel-By-The-Sea, United States

CATEGORY
Houses

Caterpillar House
© Joe Fletcher

Text description provided by architect.

The design for the Caterpillar House, sited on the softly rolling hills of the Santa Lucia Preserve, sought to accentuate a connection to the land.

Caterpillar House
© Joe Fletcher
Caterpillar House
© Joe Fletcher

Having lived in a Cliff May home, the client came to the project with a love of modern ranch houses and looking for an environmentally-conscious response to a beautiful site.

The Caterpillar House implements sustainable elements while exploring a contemporary version of the ranch ideals: massing that is low and horizontal, an open plan with a strong connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, and main living areas which center informally on the kitchen.

Caterpillar House
© Joe Fletcher
Caterpillar House
© Joe Fletcher

Connecting literally and figuratively to the site, excavated earth was repurposed for the construction of the walls.

These rammed earth walls gently curve in response to the site’s contours and also act as a thermal mass, regulating temperatures from day to night. 

Capturing rainwater for irrigation, three tanks proudly sit close to the home – a clear sign of the available water resources for landscape.

Caterpillar House
© Joe Fletcher
Caterpillar House
© Joe Fletcher
Caterpillar House
© Joe Fletcher

Large south-facing glass doors open the main living area to a large covered contemporary porch and to an outdoor patio with sunshades that expand and contract to allow for a flexible entertaining area that responds to the client’s needs.

The glazing, natural ventilation and operable shading also act as a passive heating and cooling system, cooling the house in the summer and warming the house in winter.

Integrated photovoltaic panels enable the house to produce all of its energy requirements without compromising the graceful curve of the low roof against the hill.

Caterpillar House
© Joe Fletcher
Caterpillar House

The Caterpillar House is the first Leed Platinum Custom Home of the Central Coast.

Caterpillar House
© Joe Fletcher
Caterpillar House
© Joe Fletcher


Caterpillar House
© Joe Fletcher
Caterpillar House
© Joe Fletcher


Caterpillar House
Elevations
Caterpillar House
Sections
Caterpillar House
Floor Plan

Feldman Architecture, Inc.
T +1 415 2521441
Feldman Architecture, Inc.
1648 Pacific Ave suite b, San Francisco, CA 94109, United States