ARCHITECTURE with People in Mind
This main house sits within the heart of a Napa Valley vineyard. It is organized to maintain a closed face to the public for privacy and an open face to the vineyard around the house once inside the home. Three spine walls consisting of stone reinforce this dichotomy of access and extend into the landscape. One of these spines becomes the gateway to the auto court, the formal entry to the house. In juxtaposition to the stone walls are stucco frames comprised of the roof plane and fin walls at corners. These frame the view to the vineyard and create indoor/outdoor transition spaces. The building sits on slightly raised tiled plinth distinguishing the man-made from the surrounding natural landscape. The floor tiles are continuous from inside to outside, reinforcing this effect and creating a continuity of space. A rich palette of materials including wood, stone and blackened steel bring the generous ceiling heights to human scale. Unique and custom features include 8 feet wide by 10 feet high, 3-inch thick, custom-laid-up, wood pocket doors, a hanging steel and wood wine rack, custom steel fireplace surrounds and a steel, glass and wood custom 10-feet-high door.
Architect of Record: Michael Tauber Architecture
Design Architect: Butler Armsden
Interior Designer: April Sheldon Design
Photography: Paul Dyer