A minimal palette of materials: wood, concrete, and steel define the spaces of Lookout House.
A minimal palette of materials: wood, concrete, and steel define the spaces of Lookout House.

Wood, concrete, and steel design the Lookout House

The location of the Lookout House has had a significant influence on its design, a landscape layered by the intense geological history of a three-million-year-old volcano, the site is a north-facing slope made sparse by harsh winters and covered with a mat of pine needles.

Refuge carved into the wild nature

Lookout House, designed by Faulkner Architects, stands out for a shape reminiscent of a modern ski cabin, reinterpreted with an essential and contemporary architectural language. This project represents a significant example of how architectural projects can harmoniously integrate with the surrounding landscape. The partially underground entrance level houses functional spaces such as the garage, the game room, the craft room, and the ski storage. The bedrooms, enveloped by a warm California walnut structure, overlook concrete walls that extend outward, creating visual and physical connections with the snowy landscape, offering secure access for ski enthusiasts.

A minimal palette of materials: wood, concrete, and steel define the spaces of Lookout House.

Light, transparencies, and essential geometries

A distinctive element of the Lookout House is the use of concrete walls that project beyond the interior spaces, creating terraces and openings that blend with the surrounding nature. The large full-height sliding glass doors reveal breathtaking views, while an unusual red-orange glass adds an artistic touch: the color evokes cooled magma, a tribute to the geology of the site. This chromatic choice not only enriches the facade but also projects warm reflections inside, flooding the entrance and central staircase with suggestive light, creating a visually impactful emotional effect.

A minimal palette of materials: wood, concrete, and steel define the spaces of Lookout House.

Materials that tell the territory

The material palette of the Lookout House is intentionally minimalist, using concrete, glass, and walnut, chosen for their durability and natural beauty. The basalt used for the floors establishes a direct connection with the volcanic rocks that characterize the local landscape. Sustainability is reflected in the high insulation performance of the roof and radiant floors, solutions that reduce energy consumption. Considering the recent fire risks in California, the structure has been designed with concrete and steel, materials that offer greater strength and safety without sacrificing refined and contemporary aesthetics.

A minimal palette of materials: wood, concrete, and steel define the spaces of Lookout House.

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