Malcolm Davis Architecture

Meadow House In United States

Meadow House In United States
© Joe Fletcher

MEADOW HOUSE

Malcolm Davis Architecture

PROJECT YEAR
2006

AREA
2690.0 m²

LOCATION
Sea Ranch, United States

PHOTOGRAPHS
Joe Fletcher

CATEGORY
Houses

MANUFACTURERS
ASN Natural Stone, Artemide, Loewen, Sugatsuni, Whitehaus

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
Lutsko Associates

CONTRACTOR
Phil Simon, Simon Construction.

ARCHITECT IN CHARGE
Malcolm Davis

A well-read, well-traveled couple commissioned this house as a counterpoint to their small apartment in a San Francisco high rise.

Meadow House In United States
© Joe Fletcher
Meadow House In United States
© Joe Fletcher
Meadow House In United States
© Joe Fletcher

Their house was to hold their books and collection of artifacts from around the world.

The program called for “his and hers” offices at opposite ends of the house, encouraging focus but allowing for interaction around the central kitchen.

They wanted a place to read and write in the reflective and inspiring coastal setting.

Meadow House In United States
© Joe Fletcher
Meadow House In United States
© Joe Fletcher

Sited on a highly exposed ocean meadow lot, the challenge was to provide privacy and sheltered outdoor space while maximizing the sense of openness and capturing the southerly views.

Meadow House In United States
© Joe Fletcher
Meadow House In United States
© Joe Fletcher

The sheltered courtyard separates the main living spaces from the two-story volume of more private uses.

The massing of the two simple sheds creates a focal point while blocking the coastal wind and views from the house of the immediate neighbor.

Meadow House In United States
© Joe Fletcher
Meadow House In United States
© Joe Fletcher

A connector joins the volumes with small portal windows at the driveway in contrast to the all glass exposure at the garden and blocks the coastal winds while allowing one to enjoy private ocean views.

The plan is open and informal with the kitchen, dining room, and living room in one space. The interiors are warm and calm with generous windows framing views of the ocean and the forested ridge.

Indoor and outdoor connections are emphasized by the continuous use of stone from the front walkway through the house and out to the central courtyard.

Meadow House In United States
© Joe Fletcher
Meadow House In United States
© Joe Fletcher

All the fir used throughout was locally harvested. Being in the main living space is to be “in the meadow” to observe the birds and native plants close at hand.


Meadow House In United States
Floor Plan

Malcolm Davis Architecture
T +1 415 5521515
Malcolm Davis Architecture
2130 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States