Inside a Modern Ranch Built Into the Surrounding Landscape (House Tour)

Situated in a frequently cold, wet and windy location, Ramirez Residence by Norman Millar Architects and Judith Sheine Architect is a sea ranch home that is built to complement the rugged landscape. Placed north of San Francisco, and positioned along miles of ocean coastline, Ramirez Residence possesses an interesting history that goes back to the community’s conception by Alfred Boeke. Transforming a sheep ranch on a degrading landscape into an ideal utopian community, Alfred Boeke implemented strict design guidelines for the architecture of the buildings and the way they sat in the landscape. As such, each of the surrounding homes were inspired by weathered barns, designed out of local timber and made to withstand the harsh climate over a long period of time.

Built into the landscape, Ramirez Residence was specifically designed to preserve local views and communal open spaces. Based on the design principles and ideas of the weathered barns with the slopping roof of a ranch, Ramirez Residence appears fairly simple in its exterior form. With no overhangs to prevent uplift from the strong winds, the house tour shows an almost box-like home clad in local timbers but, once inside, a complex and articulated interior design reveals itself. Following the house tour inside, the reveal of built-in furniture continues the idea of a home nestled into the landscape. Emphasising this idea in the bathrooms and kitchen, the architects encourage the idea that the rooms and kitchen are objects within the home.

Working closely with the client, the architects came to understand his inclinations, which then helped them to lean into creating a home that complemented his character. As such, the sea ranch home leans into big open spaces. Furthermore, the primary bedroom remains open to maintain the views of the garden, cliffs and ocean from the comfort of bed. For the interior design and décor of Ramirez Residence, the use of timber was emphasised to create a warm environment that again relates to nature and the outdoors. Douglas fir is used on the furniture veneer plywood, while the walls are a marine grade Douglas fir plywood and outside contains Ipe wood. Additionally, the use of cement is applied to further extend the idea of the ranch being connected and built into the landscape. Though being a challenge to both Norman Millar Architects and Judith Sheine Architect, Ramirez Residence strikes a balance between their styles of architecture and the guidelines of Alfred Boeke and the landscape.

00:00 – Introduction to the Modern Ranch
01:10 – A Coastal Location and its History
02:12 – The Architectural Collaboration and Design Guidelines
04:04 – Building the Interiors into the Landscape
04:29 – The Clients Coastal Requests
05:26 – A Traditional and Natural Material Palette
06:55 – Respecting the History of Sea Ranch

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Photography by Ema Peter.
Architecture by Norman Millar Architects.
Architecture by Judith Sheine Architect.
Build by Dixon Construction.
Landscape by Norman Millar Architects.
Mechanical Engineering by MB&A Consulting.
Structural Engineering by ZFA Structural Engineers.
Geotechnical Engineering by Bauer Associates.
Civil Engineering by Dimensions 4 Engineering.
Filmed and Edited by The Local Project.
Production by The Local Project.

Location: San Francisco, California, North America

The Local Project acknowledges the traditional territories and homelands of the Indigenous peoples in the United States. We recognise the importance of Indigenous peoples in the identity of our respective countries and continuing connections to Country and community. We pay our respect to Elders, past and present and extend that respect to all Indigenous people of these lands.

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