HouseNevada City (United States)

Mountain House , Atelier Bow-Wow (2008) – Situated in the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas, Mountain House stands as a testament to an architectural brilliance and a profound connection with nature. Designed by the internationally renowned Japanese firm Atelier Bow-Wow, the property unfolds over 60 private, forested acres with the centerpiece – the meticulously designed and thoughtfully crafted residential structure settled into this lush land, bordered by the U.S. Forest Service on three sides. The architects, celebrated for their intelligent and compact designs created a livable work of art as their first and only home built in the United States. Anchored in the heart of California's Mother Lode, the property is the site of a 19th Century gold mine “Sailor Flat” which features wagon roads and trails from the 19th century, and is criss-crossed by year round creeks and seasonal streams. The Mountain House was conceived with utmost sensitivity to its surroundings, over a 9 year process. Atelier Bow-Wow's vision encompasses a design philosophy that honors the environment, manifesting in a structure that treads lightly on the land and resources while maximizing its connection to a breathtaking landscape. Approaching Mountain House, the facade presents an unassuming simplicity that gracefully ascends to unveil a vast terrace intended to hover – not unlike an umbrella protecting the home - a true centerpiece of this architectural gem. The open roof room, which covers the complete square footage of the house, is a shaded sanctuary where guests spend the days in hammocks and even sleep in an open air setting. The elevated roof keeps the sun off the house in the warm summers, and the room provides views of the surrounding forests and seasonal pond. Inside, the essence of Japanese design permeates every corner. The living area is a marvel of integration between indoors and out, lending to the oversized wood-framed glass doors which slide away to seamlessly merge the spaces together. Interiors feature a continuous, seamless concrete floor, accentuated by walls composed of recycled paper-based homasote boards, creating an organic atmosphere, the house features reclaimed wood doors and porcelain tubs, to give this new design historical depth and alignment with Japanese wabi-sai bi design principles. The three bedrooms, bunks, nooks, roof room sleeping options and a central day bed offer numerous options for family and guests to partake in visits that no other property could facilitate. With no other structure or neighbor in sight, but less than 15 minutes from town, the property offers an exclusive connection to nature, like having your own personal nature park for you and your guests. Mountain House is not just a dwelling; it is a living testament to the boundless possibilities of architectural innovation, honest materials and a celebration of life in harmony with the natural world.