American Luxury Staff September 8, 2022
Lifestyle
Suspension House, Napa, California. Fourgeron Architecture.
“Suspended between two beautiful California hills, this remodel spans a creek and boasts a waterfall in the backyard.
A man-made object in nature may exist in harmony or disparity. The goal was to reconnect this structure into the environment while best utilizing the exceptional site for the clients.
In the state of California, it is no longer legal for homes to be suspended over a creek. Therefore, there were strict guidelines on how to use the existing structure as the basis for design. Most importantly, the new home had to follow the exact outline of the existing house and decks.
The goal of this unique site was to enhance the relationship of the structure to the nearby bodies of water and the rock face. Rather than bearing down and disturbing the creek below, the new structural system has been anchored to the bedrock within the flanks of the hill, suspending the home completely over the water. By opening site lines and using transparent materials, floor-to-ceiling windows, see-through floors and open-concept outdoor spaces such as floating staircases, the natural water features are visible from the front and back of the house.
To allow for the expansion of the third floor and to remove previous structural columns in the creek bed, a steel structure was inserted underneath the existing floors. Rather than hide this support system, it is exposed on all the floors.
The first two floors’ structure and orientation follow the existing house, but the new third floor rotates 90 degrees to better relate to the site. This shift breaks up the mass of the structure, giving some levity and height, while differentiating itself from the lower floors. Atop a steel frame, the roof—like the home itself—hovers, creating a dynamic space with lots of natural light.
The Suspension House at once balances the role of architecture—especially modernism—in nature with the role of the client to home.”
Stay up to date on the latest real estate trends.
Seller
February 7, 2025
Mortgage application activity was on the rise in the latest data from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) for the week ending Jan. 31.
Lifestyle
February 7, 2025
By the time the day is over, you may be at your most irritable, sad, or anxious self—even if you started the day feeling bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.
Lifestyle
February 7, 2025
How do you help children process difficult situations, such as a serious illness in the family or troubling events they may encounter online or on social media like th… Read more
Seller
February 7, 2025
Mortgage rates were down in the latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey published by Freddie Mac (OTCQB: FMCC).
Buyer
February 7, 2025
Seller
February 6, 2025
Adding character to your home is one of the most rewarding experiences for any design-loving homeowner or renter.
We Guide Homeowners through the complicated process of selling their home using our 4 Phase Selling Process and 3 Prong Marketing Strategy that alleviates their stress and moves them effortlessly to their next destination. Schedule a 15 Minute Complimentary Strategy Session Today