Quiet Walk - Main house
Magnin architecture was tasked to design two spec homes on a lakefront property in Tahoma, Calif. at Lake Tahoe. The site is accessed from a private driveway which leads to a highly forested parcel with a down-slope grade toward the lake and a north/northeast orientation with views of the lake. Directly to the southeast lies the boundary of Sugarpine Point State Park. The park is and will remain undeveloped.
Main House
The Lakefront home design was driven by the orientation of the site, the existing topography slope and views of the lake. The concept was to create a building that was at one with the topography of the land, so the home slopes up out of grade to reveal views of the lake. The home was also designed with low reflectance glazing on all glass surfaces to help the project disappear into the trees and north light when viewed from the lake.
From the side, the home slips out of grade and gives a sense of being at one with the landscape and topography. This is reinforced by the driveway approach which leads into a green roof hatch operated by a hydraulic lift that gives the appearance of the ground plane opening to accept vehicles into the home. The pedestrian entry flanks the side of the garage accessible via a dark and minimal roof entry. Upon entering the home, an unobstructed 180 degree view of the lake is gloriously presented. The lower level consists of all of the living area: living room, dining room, kitchen, plus the master suite with exterior bathing. The second floor includes three bedroom suites, two with elevated views of the lake and forest in addition to a second exterior bath. Thin roof edges and expressions of structure, protection from the elements and water movement inform the tectonics and detailing of the home.
Architect: Magnin Architecture
Civil Engineer: Tieslau Civil Engineering
Landscape Architecture: High West Landscape Architects
Structural Engineer: Gabbart and Woods Tahoe
TRPA: Olgivy Consulting
General Contractor: Rickenbach Development and Construction
