NICASIO TERRACE

In early 2019, the owners of this Nicasio property approached Cass Calder Smith Architecture + Interiors to enhance their main house, a detached garage, and an orchard garden linking the two structures. The primary focus was on expanding the garage, which the owner wanted to use as a recording studio and guest house, as well as adding an outdoor lap pool with a hot tub. Alongside creating a design that was both aesthetically pleasing and functional, the aim was to meet all project goals with a high emphasis on sustainability, particularly concerning water conservation given the limited access to water at the location, and the inclusion of a large swimming pool.

One of the challenges was to ensure that all sustainability requirements integrated seamlessly with the architectural design of this high-end residence. The landscape design was developed with this in mind, utilizing drought-tolerant, climate-appropriate, and local plants. A high-efficiency irrigation system was installed, targeting only necessary areas such as the vegetable garden and orchard.

As the design evolved, the focus shifted more toward the main house, leading to a revision of the pool’s location to better complement the primary structure. The project scope expanded, and the owners decided to eliminate all gas-powered appliances, opting instead for high-efficiency electric systems. Even the pool and hot tub are heated by electric heat pumps.

The insulation in both the garage and main house was completely replaced with eco-friendly materials. During construction, the contractor implemented measures to protect the site and the nearby Nicasio Creek from runoff and pollutants. Additionally, the project prioritized the use of environmentally friendly and sustainable materials while reusing as many existing resources as possible. For instance, much of the existing decking material from the main house was repurposed for the new porch deck. Rainwater that falls directly on the rooftops and patios are collected in underground storage tanks, with some of it treated and used to supplement the water needs of the swimming pool. The new porch addition also seamlessly integrates with the main house, which previously appeared incomplete before the renovation.

The finished project serves not only as a home but also as a workspace, a sanctuary, and a place for family gatherings. While some elements might be challenging to replicate in mainstream housing developments, this project stands as a successful case study on how innovative design and sustainability can truly complement each other.

NICASIO TERRACE

In early 2019, the owners of this Nicasio property approached Cass Calder Smith Architecture + Interiors to enhance their main house, a detached garage, and an orchard garden linking the two structures. The primary focus was on expanding the garage, which the owner wanted to use as a recording studio and guest house, as well as adding an outdoor lap pool with a hot tub. Alongside creating a design that was both aesthetically pleasing and functional, the aim was to meet all project goals with a high emphasis on sustainability, particularly concerning water conservation given the limited access to water at the location, and the inclusion of a large swimming pool.

One of the challenges was to ensure that all sustainability requirements integrated seamlessly with the architectural design of this high-end residence. The landscape design was developed with this in mind, utilizing drought-tolerant, climate-appropriate, and local plants. A high-efficiency irrigation system was installed, targeting only necessary areas such as the vegetable garden and orchard.

As the design evolved, the focus shifted more toward the main house, leading to a revision of the pool’s location to better complement the primary structure. The project scope expanded, and the owners decided to eliminate all gas-powered appliances, opting instead for high-efficiency electric systems. Even the pool and hot tub are heated by electric heat pumps.

The insulation in both the garage and main house was completely replaced with eco-friendly materials. During construction, the contractor implemented measures to protect the site and the nearby Nicasio Creek from runoff and pollutants. Additionally, the project prioritized the use of environmentally friendly and sustainable materials while reusing as many existing resources as possible. For instance, much of the existing decking material from the main house was repurposed for the new porch deck. Rainwater that falls directly on the rooftops and patios are collected in underground storage tanks, with some of it treated and used to supplement the water needs of the swimming pool. The new porch addition also seamlessly integrates with the main house, which previously appeared incomplete before the renovation.

The finished project serves not only as a home but also as a workspace, a sanctuary, and a place for family gatherings. While some elements might be challenging to replicate in mainstream housing developments, this project stands as a successful case study on how innovative design and sustainability can truly complement each other.

NICASIO TERRACE

In early 2019, the owners of this Nicasio property approached Cass Calder Smith Architecture + Interiors to enhance their main house, a detached garage, and an orchard garden linking the two structures. The primary focus was on expanding the garage, which the owner wanted to use as a recording studio and guest house, as well as adding an outdoor lap pool with a hot tub. Alongside creating a design that was both aesthetically pleasing and functional, the aim was to meet all project goals with a high emphasis on sustainability, particularly concerning water conservation given the limited access to water at the location, and the inclusion of a large swimming pool.

One of the challenges was to ensure that all sustainability requirements integrated seamlessly with the architectural design of this high-end residence. The landscape design was developed with this in mind, utilizing drought-tolerant, climate-appropriate, and local plants. A high-efficiency irrigation system was installed, targeting only necessary areas such as the vegetable garden and orchard.

As the design evolved, the focus shifted more toward the main house, leading to a revision of the pool’s location to better complement the primary structure. The project scope expanded, and the owners decided to eliminate all gas-powered appliances, opting instead for high-efficiency electric systems. Even the pool and hot tub are heated by electric heat pumps.

The insulation in both the garage and main house was completely replaced with eco-friendly materials. During construction, the contractor implemented measures to protect the site and the nearby Nicasio Creek from runoff and pollutants. Additionally, the project prioritized the use of environmentally friendly and sustainable materials while reusing as many existing resources as possible. For instance, much of the existing decking material from the main house was repurposed for the new porch deck. Rainwater that falls directly on the rooftops and patios are collected in underground storage tanks, with some of it treated and used to supplement the water needs of the swimming pool. The new porch addition also seamlessly integrates with the main house, which previously appeared incomplete before the renovation.

The finished project serves not only as a home but also as a workspace, a sanctuary, and a place for family gatherings. While some elements might be challenging to replicate in mainstream housing developments, this project stands as a successful case study on how innovative design and sustainability can truly complement each other.

NICASIO TERRACE

In early 2019, the owners of this Nicasio property approached Cass Calder Smith Architecture + Interiors to enhance their main house, a detached garage, and an orchard garden linking the two structures. The primary focus was on expanding the garage, which the owner wanted to use as a recording studio and guest house, as well as adding an outdoor lap pool with a hot tub. Alongside creating a design that was both aesthetically pleasing and functional, the aim was to meet all project goals with a high emphasis on sustainability, particularly concerning water conservation given the limited access to water at the location, and the inclusion of a large swimming pool.

One of the challenges was to ensure that all sustainability requirements integrated seamlessly with the architectural design of this high-end residence. The landscape design was developed with this in mind, utilizing drought-tolerant, climate-appropriate, and local plants. A high-efficiency irrigation system was installed, targeting only necessary areas such as the vegetable garden and orchard.

As the design evolved, the focus shifted more toward the main house, leading to a revision of the pool’s location to better complement the primary structure. The project scope expanded, and the owners decided to eliminate all gas-powered appliances, opting instead for high-efficiency electric systems. Even the pool and hot tub are heated by electric heat pumps.

The insulation in both the garage and main house was completely replaced with eco-friendly materials. During construction, the contractor implemented measures to protect the site and the nearby Nicasio Creek from runoff and pollutants. Additionally, the project prioritized the use of environmentally friendly and sustainable materials while reusing as many existing resources as possible. For instance, much of the existing decking material from the main house was repurposed for the new porch deck. Rainwater that falls directly on the rooftops and patios are collected in underground storage tanks, with some of it treated and used to supplement the water needs of the swimming pool. The new porch addition also seamlessly integrates with the main house, which previously appeared incomplete before the renovation.

The finished project serves not only as a home but also as a workspace, a sanctuary, and a place for family gatherings. While some elements might be challenging to replicate in mainstream housing developments, this project stands as a successful case study on how innovative design and sustainability can truly complement each other.