Oak Knoll Residence

Robert Swatt, FAIA - Principal in Charge, Design Principal
George Miers, AIA - Assisted with Construction Administration

With an oak-studded knoll, surrounded by 4.5 acres of cabernet sauvignon vineyards, the site for this home has an almost archetypal quality – the perfect Napa Valley setting for a beautiful new modern wine country home. The owners wanted a home that would respect and preserve the beautiful heritage oak trees that dotted the knoll, open up to the beautiful sunsets over Silverado Trail to the west, and have generous family outdoor living and entertaining areas oriented to the east side of the property – the quiet side with endless views of vineyards and rolling hills.

The plan has two wings: a north-south wing that includes the two-story kitchen/dining/living spaces, and a guest suite on the ground floor; with two home offices and a master suite on the upper level. Accessed by a dramatic glass bridge that traverses the double-height great room below, the master suite is located on the north end of the wing, and along with the great room enjoys views in three directions – sunrises and sunsets. A stone and glass-clad stairway tower, with a unique wine cellar embedded into the landing, forms the vertical anchor to the architectural composition from which the wings radiate. As branches of the beautiful heritage trees twist and turn under and over the cantilevered terrace, it seems that the home has always been there, in perfect harmony with its natural setting.

Facts & Figures

Location
Napa, California

Year Completed
2014

Category
Residential, Single Family

Recognition
Merit Award. Gold Nugget Awards: Pacific Coast Builder’s Conference: Best Custom Home, 4,000-8,000SF. 2017.

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