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Swatt + Partners

Define California

Modern Luxury

Healdsburg, United States

ocated on a 38-acre, ridge-top parcel stippled with live oaks,

redwoods, bay laurel, and madrone that soars above the
Lvineyards below, this estate, dubbed Whispering Stones, was
commissioned by sophisticated and astute admirers of modern
design, who value their responsibility as stewards and protectors of
this land.

To realise their mandate to neither harm nor fell existing trees,
Swatt + Partners began at the entrance to the property, designing
the sinuous 2/3 mile long drive from the road to the residence for
minimal to no impact. The exposed board-formed concrete retaining
walls follow the existing topography and vegetation and protect
numerous existing tree root systems.

The three-level, 8,500-square-foot residence straddles the dominant
ridge and treads lightly over the natural, undisturbed topography.
Shaded terraces directly engage the land, while an existing oak is
left to pass through a roof opening in a pointed declaration of the
continuity of building and ecosystem. Designed with multiple
exposures of floor-to-ceiling natural light, the elegant and gracious
interior spaces provide transparency and provide human interaction
to the land through strong indoor-outdoor connections.

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