Cooper Joseph Studio, formerly Wendy Joseph Evans Architecture, has designed this small 850 square guest house in the Dry Creek area of Sonoma. Located on a terraced hill, the modern structure overlooks a field of olive trees and is nestled amongst lavender and rosemary. The home was designed for two scientists who grow olives and make olive oil, keep bees and produce honey, garden and many other endeavors that take advantage of the area’s climate, soils and site.
Situated at the top of an olive orchard, the exposure faces north, taking advantage of the breezes, and shade from existing forests to the south. Exploiting an existing open area with particularly hard clay soils, no trees were removed. The goal was to create an energy efficient, compact dwelling where the clients could sit in shaded areas, entertain friends with their own food production, and enjoy the wonderful views across agricultural lands. The 30-foot-high concrete wall dividing the house was a technical achievement, according to the architects. The home also has a solar array for power and a high albedo [surface reflection] roof.
The interior:
Site plans and architectural drawings:
Small House, 2011
Sonoma, CA
Client: Charles Homcy / Diana Sylvestre
Architect: Cooper Joseph Studio, New York
Design Principal: Wendy Evans Joseph, Chris Cooper
Project Architects: Wendy Evans Joseph and Chris Cooper
Project Manager: Chris Good
Project Team: Chris Good and Farzana Gandhi
Architect of Record: Richardson Architects
Structural Engineer: Tysinger & Associates Structural Engineers
Landscape Architect: Jacobsen Landscaping
Interior Designer: Cooper Joseph Studio
Contractor: Red Horse Construction
Construction Manager: David Warner
Zinc Siding: VM Zinc
Composite Decking: Timber Deck
Resin: 3-Form
Counter Tops: Caeserstone
Oak Millwork: Custom-stained Oak
Site Area: 25 Acres
Building Area: 850 sq. ft. enclosed
Additional photos courtesy of Elliott Kaufman Photography, additional information courtesy of California Architects
Cooper Joseph Studio