If It's Hip, It's Here (Archives): california architecture

You may have seen this modern concrete and wood structure, with it's living roof, referred to as the Seashell-Inspired House or The Abalone House. The unusual modern home (it's really just a small beach house) in Big Sur, California has been recently featured, with few images, on several blogs (trendir, designyoutrust and inthralld for example) and Pinterest, even though it was completed four years ago.

The above two images are from unknown source. If you know who to credit, please tell me.

It's no wonder it's difficult to find more images and information about this modern structure (which is only 775 square feet). The Carmel, CA architect, Thomas Cowen, has no website. The landscaping company from which the images in the aforementioned blogs were procured did not credit the photographer and they misspelled the name of the building contractor in their credits. But with some serious research, I have uncovered several more images of and information about the home I have yet to see on any blogs or architecture sites and am excited to share them with you.

Rana Creek the landscaping company who designed the living roof calls it the Abalone House.

The glass skylight you see on the roof of the structure is actually above an interior shower:

From the aerial image of the property below, you can see how it's been termed the Seashell-Inspired house because it's more of a Nautilus than an Abalone.

It's set on a private road (9525 Pias Ranch Road), just off the bluff, south of Sycamore Canyon Road and the owners of the home are venture capitalist Alex Balkanski of Benchmark Capital and wife Sybilla.

Below are images of the circular structure and its interior, complete with concrete walls, wood beam ceiling and curved cabinetry:

The spiral shaped concrete structure was actually a second floor addition to a three bedroom three bathroom single-family dwelling totaling 775 square feet. And according to the approved development permit for the Balkanskis (PLN040665/Balkanski), it also was intended to have a detached 575 square foot underground wine cellar, a 120 sq. ft. mechanical room, a 375 sq. ft. pool and spa with a retaining wall and deck. Whether or not these were all completed, I do not know.

Completed: 2008
Client/ Owners: Alex & Sybilla Balkanski
Location: Big Sur, California
Architect: Thomas Cowen
Contractor: Kevin Rider, Rider Construction

photos courtesy of photographer David Bryan and Rider Construction

Want to hear tweeting birds and rushing waters but still desire a satellite internet connection? Wanna walk through the woods and then wash off in a modern bathroom? If you need a weekend of real nature and quiet but don't really want to rough it, Far Meadow Cabins in Yosemite may very well be the perfect solution.

Combining rustic with modern, traditional with contemporary, Far Meadow Cabins offers your choice of A-frame, log or classic cabin as rentals for from 2-4 people at an affordable price.

The cabins are remote, romantic and retro but have been upgraded to include modern appliances, tubs and showers and clean interiors with contemporary design items. The perfect trip for either a couple of diehard explorers or just urban hipsters.

The A Frame:

The classic A Frame cabin is given a modern twist with a few special design features and updated elements. High ceilings, 16ft windows, a floating staircase, and skylight ensure an open and airy feel. The cabin is solar powered and heated by a wood-burning stove. Satellite Internet connection available.

The sleeping loft has a queen-sized bed; an additional queen-sized sofa bed is available on the ground level.

Large bathroom with with shower, tub, sink and toilet.

Kitchen amenities include a cooking top with 2 gas burners, hand press coffee maker, and a small gas powered refrigerator/freezer unit. Dishes, flatware, cooking utensils, and an assortment of cooking pots are supplied.

Attached deck with fire pit with barbecue grill, outdoor seating, and dining table. Deck is slightly elevated and offers spectacular views of the meadow and nearby stream. All linens and blankets, towels, and firewood are provided.

$250 per night.

The Log Cabin:

It doesn’t get more authentic than this log cabin. Still situated on its original foundation, the cabin has been updated for modern adventurers while retaining old-fashioned charm.

Large windows and skylights offer great views of the surrounding meadow and let in sunlight throughout the day.

The cabin is solar powered and equipped with satellite internet connection. It is heated by an indoor wood-burning stove, but don’t worry – you won’t need to chop down trees to heat your cabin; they provide the firewood.

The cabin sleeps 3-4. A queen and single bed are available. Bathroom has shower, toilet, and sink.

Kitchen facilities include a 4-ring gas stove with oven, coffee grinder, hand press coffee maker, and small refrigerator/freezer. Dishes, flatware, utensils, and cookware are supplied.

The cabin has a large wooden deck with fire pit, barbecue grill, and outdoor dining set with seating.

$250 per night

The Old Yosemite:

You’ll feel like you’re sleeping in a treehouse when you stay in this romantic one-room cabin located on the historic Old Yosemite Road.

The park-like setting offers beautiful views of the native flora and fauna, especially when taken in from the attached deck.

This cabin sleeps two in a queen sized bed. Blankets and linens are provided. Modern bathroom has shower, toilet and sink.

Cabin is equipped with air conditioning, a small heater, and a wood burning stove for the chillier months. Kitchen amenities include a 2-burner cooktop , toaster oven, electric tea kettle, and hand press coffee maker. Dishes, flatware, cooking utensils and pots are also supplied. Large attached deck has a barbecue and outdoor seating.

The cabin may seem remote, but is located just minutes from the town of Oakhurst and the south entrance to Yosemite National Park.

$190 per night

Vintage Trailers for Extra Guests
If you require extra sleeping space, they have vintage trailers with space for two additional guests per trailer available for placement at the location of your choice. The Silver Streak Trailer sleeps 2 and is $125 per night. A smaller travel trailer (ideal for children 10 years and up) is $75 per night.

This remote location in winter is not for everybody. It can get a bit rough, you need to bring correct clothing and be ready to be ‘out there’ for the time being. Don’t forget your supplies, it’s a long way to the next liquor store.

If you are thinking about bringing children or pets, please consider the conditions in the Sierra Nevada mountains in winter.

For more details and booking, visit their site at the link below.

Far Meadow Cabins

all images and info courtesy of Far Meadows and Boutique Homes Vacation Rentals