The Lichen House, located atop a hill in Sonoma, California, is a distinctive residence that seamlessly harmonizes with the surrounding natural landscape. Its innovative design, conceived by the American studio Schwartz and Architecture, stands out with a T-shaped layout meticulously planned to optimize natural light entry and provide breathtaking views.

The majestic oak trees adorning the hill, draped in Ramalina lace lichen, also known as Spanish Moss, play a crucial role in the property’s unique atmosphere. The free-ranging branches of the mature trees not only support veils of lichen, filtering sunlight and purifying the air from pollutants, but also serve as a profound inspiration for the entire architectural concept.

Read another article:Design Trends for Creating a Vacation Vibe at Home

The undulating metal fin trellis, a formal reference to the lichen’s geometry, not only adds a unique aesthetic but also recreates the filtered and dappled light of the lace lichen’s net. This feature not only filters the intensity of the summer sun but also allows for solar heat gain in winter, showcasing a thoughtful approach to thermal efficiency.

The design aims to maximize the interior’s exposure to natural light, creating an airy atmosphere connected to the spectacular surrounding environment. The wings of the house extend towards expansive views to the south and west, providing occupants with the opportunity to appreciate specific focal points in the landscape.

Each room in the residence has been carefully tuned to its own spatial “microclimate,” considering factors such as privacy, panoramic views, solar orientation, light quality, and airflow. This attention to detail reflects a commitment to an exceptional living experience.

Read another article:Hot Trends: 20 Best Farmhouse Style Kitchens in White and Wood

The Lichen House, with its unique fusion of architectural design and sensitive integration with nature, stands out as a contemporary masterpiece, offering an elegant and inspiring retreat in the enchanting landscape of Sonoma.

Credits:

Project: Lichen House
Location: Glen Ellen, Sonoma Valley, California, United States
Area: 3500 ft²
Year: 2016
Architects: Schwartz and Architecture
Photography: Richard Barnes Photography

Read another article:Revamped Small Barcelona Apartment Combines Multiple Styles and Finishes

0:00 – Lichen House
8:30 – Drawing

Similar Posts

san-antonio-house

San Antonio House

The trapezoidal tracing of the property is what defined the construction of this house into three clearly settled volumes. Vegetation also plays a protagonist role in the design of this house, both outdoors and indoors. The exterior trees enclose the house generating distinct tons of shades and colours during the different seasons of the year. Within the interior, the unruly green vegetation, contrasts with the stone floors and solid walls, reaching a perfect sense of balance. The entrance, a double height lobby that creates contrasting sensations and distinct visual ending points originated by water mirrors, light shafts, a tree and a staircase. The walls that shape this area, divide the spaces into private and public areas. The ground floor, is organized into two blocks each with a different purpose: The left side, is a white solid cube that integrates the study and the master bedroom and is separated from the other block by a water mirror and a yard that generates the desired privacy, peace and tranquility. The right side, the social area, is a rectangle closed to the west by a rigid wall and opened towards the interior of the house through large floor to ceiling glass walls, giving sober transparency to the yard with views to the garden and the central courtyard. The different angles within the construction achieve visual ending points with great character, as well as, enhancing the sensations provoked by the pure whites that evolve into mixed tones as the day and the seasons go by.

mid-century-modern-living-room-ideas-for-functionality-comfort

Closet Design That Maximizes Organization and Style

The “closet reveal” is a phenomenon gaining momentum in the design blogging community. Picture a living room or a dining room makeover, but this time the decorating magic is happening in the smallest space of the house. It’s all about closet design!  The reveal showcases an amazing transformation of a previously unremarkable (and sometimes problematic) […]

You’re reading Closet Design That Maximizes Organization and Style, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

mid-century-modern-living-room-ideas-for-functionality-comfort

Adaptive Series of Canopies Bring Shade to Revamped Victorian Heritage Villa

Space is a precious commodity in the inner suburbs of Melbourne and it is this space that is utilized to the hilt with the makeover of this fabulous Victorian heritage villa in Kew. For its makeover, architects from Matt Gibson Architecture + Design borrow from the Japanese design concept of Hiro-En; an idea that provides […]

You’re reading Adaptive Series of Canopies Bring Shade to Revamped Victorian Heritage Villa, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

beautify-your-life-with-a-vanity-table

Beautify Your Life with a Vanity Table

While the idea of purchasing a vanity table may seem frivolous to some, the intent behind it can speak volumes. Symbolic of a commitment to carving out quality time for self care, a vanity table (also known as a dressing table) represents the ability to rejuvenate and recharge in the morning while you’re getting ready, […]

You’re reading Beautify Your Life with a Vanity Table, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.