Page 95 - Designing Ways 290

Centred in the linear arrangement of spaces, the glass bridge above
the entry and a sculptural “Braille” wall compresses the volume
between the entrance and the kitchen and living areas. Precise,
rectilinear geometry in bold horizontal strokes is a sharp contrast to
the undulating and native landscape. Throughout, the materiality also
provides a similar contrast: concrete, glass, stainless steel, aluminum
trellises, and Western Red Cedar siding are detailed and crafted with
clarity; a sharp counterpoint to the surrounding grasses and twisted
trunks of oak.

Swatt + Partners achieved a sense of well-being with responsibly
sourced materials and thoughtful design strategies. These passive
strategies, which allow for cross ventilation, uniform daylighting,
solar exposure modulation, and temperature modulation, are
augmented by photovoltaic panel arrays and water conservation
measures, including water efficient and water conserving plumbing
fixtures and fittings.

All landscaping is primarily native or drought tolerant and, where
needed, automatic irrigation controllers supplied by a site well and
storage system limit water use until native plantings are self-sustaining
and established. Given the wildfire activity in the stunning region
where the estate is located, provisions to suppress fire spread were
installed. From the building roof, mobile tanks of an environmentally
compatible and water soluble compound can be deployed to retard
fire and flame spread to the structure and the surrounding vegetation.

With Whispering Stones, Swatt + Partners have masterfully created
a new architecture and design narrative for modern luxury living
within the wine country. dw

www.swattpartners.com

dw • Issue 290 95