Wood, fire, iron, rock, soil, water: these are the basic materials that have been used by humans to build shelter since building shelters began. Millions of years of development cannot be undone in 200 years. These materials still feel like home to us.
The key elements of this house are earth, wood, fire, iron, and water. Nothing has a "machine affected" look to it. Finishes in the home are all by meticulous hand brushing of the walls with cement and lime washes inside and out, hand formed plaster details, and we use hand-carved beams and posts. Doors and windows are all hand made, some in the neighborhood of 200 years old. Light fixtures are all wrought metal and hand blown glass. Floors are all hand made French terra-cotta tile. Cabinets are either distressed or are actual antique pieces converted to hold modern appliances or to meet modern needs.
True to early California, sun-loving plants in the landscape are used. Natural vegetation is promoted instead of removed. Simple grasses and sage, low water trees and plants are the norm. |
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