The clients for this project are transitioning into a new phase of their lives and asked the design team to collaborate in developing their vision of a small organic farm. The resultant site design transitions from a cultivated landscape of orchards, gardens and farming towards a restored native ecology of meadow grasses and coastal live oaks. Intentionally, the interwoven site and architectural design celebrate the native California landscape and a deep connection to place. The main house, located at the intersection of structured and native landscape, is a series of pavilions with rolling zinc roofs that echo waves and wind patterns coming off the ocean just visible from the property. Striated color patterns in rammed earth walls extrapolate the gentle curve of existing site topography. The farm is a net energy exporter and includes comprehensive rainwater and graywater harvesting. The project is LEED Platinum certified and is a pilot project in the Sustainable Sites Initiative™ (SITES™).

Design Strategies Net positive energy production using solar thermal, thin-film and polycrystalline PV systems Passive design strategies eliminate need for mechanical cooling Comprehensive rainwater harvesting, using ag tanks and an extensive underground cistern, supplies all site irrigation as well as household toilets Household graywater is cleansed and reused for orchard irrigation Local and regionally sourced materials include rammed earth from site soils; reclaimed woods including redwood cladding and fencing, cypress ceilings/soffits and Douglas fir doors; recycled content concrete and tile Landscape design incorporates native plant ecology and organic farming principles