Spanning three levels and built on a hillside, this Mill Valley, California house was designed by Zack | de Vito Architecture + Construction to be open plan, sustainable, and energy efficient. Part of the design focus was to create an indoor/outdoor relationship, which includes 2,875 square feet of deck space. There are five bedrooms, three of which were designed as flexible spaces – they can be master bedrooms, in-law suites, home offices, or family rooms – to adapt to the owners lifestyle over time.
The exterior is clad in custom Corten steel, which turns a reddish rust color over time.
The 4,012-square-foot house incorporated a 10Kw solar PV system that provides the energy for the 300% mini-split heat pump heating and air conditioning. There are large windows helping to reduce the need to turn the lights on, which happen to be 100% LED or high efficacy.
Materials that were reclaimed or made from recycled content were used whenever it was possible. They also paid careful attention to use pre-finished or naturally weathering materials to keep the house mostly maintenance free.
Many of the home’s rooms have access to the deck spaces.
The custom staircase is made from steel and acrylic, which lets light pass through.
Photos by Bruce Damonte.
