fA Houses

Stan Field & Jess Field

HOUSES

HOUSES HOUSES HOUSES

FIELD ARCHITECTURE Office Stan Field Jess Field Phil Dixon Andy Lin Christina F. Stevenson Contact T. 650 462 9554 F. 650 462 1473 455 Lambert Ave. Palo Alto, CA 94306 info@fieldarchitecture.com www.fieldarchitecture.com Editing, Design and Layout Jess Field Christina F. Stevenson All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission in writing from the author.

Contents Practice

1. Hillside 2. Cebalo 3. Woodlands 4. Woodview 5. Jay Street

6. Napa Valley 7. Reeds 8. Waterfall Publications & Awards Credits

Practice

4

Field Architecture Stan Field studied under Louis Kahn, widely regarded as one of the great American architects of the 20th century. Stan launched his practice in South Africa in the early 70’s – his first project, the Miller House – winning the National Award of Merit. Stan held a thriving practice in Johannesburg before moving to Israel, where he was appointed Chief Architect to the City of Jerusalem in 1978, and a partner at Moshe Safdie’s office. Stan opened his own office in Palo Alto, California in 1990, where his work has seen local, national, and international acclaim. Stan’s work is infused with his own infectious optimism and commitment to the ability of architecture to inspire and transform.

Jess was born in Johannesburg, where his father, Stan, introduced him to architecture at a young age. Stan would sit Jess on top of large-scale plans on the dining table, where they would pour over drawings together. Stan’s stories of hut construction in Swaziland, and Lou Kahn’s teachings at Penn formed Jess’ first impressions of architecture.

Sketching from an early age, Jess developed a fluency in drawing and draftsmanship, later to be complemented by an equal level of skill and artistry with digital tools.

Jess’ approach to construction and design solutions is both artistic and practical, aiming to celebrate natural site opportunities, and clients needs.

His designs have been characterized by rigorous attention to detail, sensuous expression of materials and craftsmanship, and a seamless integration of indoors and outdoors.

Field Architecture’s commissions in United States, South Africa, Israel and South America have garnered numerous international awards. These include multiple Progressive Architecture (P/A) Awards, AIA Awards and the prestigious Fulton Award. World Architecture News recently named Field Architecture one of “the leading lights of architecture in the 21st century.”

“In its most fundamental form, we see architecture as a means for solving problems in a beautiful, natural way. Architecture has the ability to be inventive - to discover something with every design. We use the fundamental elements of architecture to create sophisticated works that stand the test of time, effectively satisfy their intended use, and are a source of joy for those who experience them.” - Jess Field

field architecture HOUSES

1

2

Materials

Sustainability

Place & Client

Our work is designed to interpret the spatial continuity between exterior and interior landscapes in new ways. This is underscored by material selection and structural solutions that purposely express the possibilities and natural qualities of specific materials.

With the understanding that we are a part of nature, rather than apart from it, each fA design is specific to its context, and born of a highly sensitive response to local ecology. Integration of passive systems, energy per formance, water management, air quality, and material and resource optimization, enable the DNA of the landscape to animate our work.

The nexus between a client and place serves as the point of departure for every project. The location of a building within the broader context of the region or culture in which a project is being designed is essential, and often forms the basis for our inspiration.

We seek to expose and enhance the sensuous qualities of materials, delivering them in an entirely new form.

Craft is an important aspect of everything we do - we work with craftspeople to fabricate specific architectural elements so that the detail of the work relates directly to the larger expression.

Our work acknowledges that architecture and ecosystem are inherently bound entities. Our aim is to create wholly sustainable environments, rather than merely sustainable buildings, to engender an understanding of the interdependence of ecosystem health and human well being.

We think of architecture as an instrument through which to experience the exquisite combination of elements from topography to sunlight -- the natural capital that makes a place unique.

Situating a building in its specific terrain is where the design process begins. It is the set where the drama of creation unfolds, where the architecture responds to the particularities of its climate, topography, light, soil, hydrology, and flora.

field architecture HOUSES

3

Featured HOUSES 1. Hillside

2. Cebalo

3. Woodlands

4. Woodview

4

5. Jay Street

6. Napa Valley

7. Reeds

8. Waterfall

field architecture HOUSES

5

Ground Level

Living on a hill Situated in a pocket of oak woodlands in Northern California’s Portola Valley, the original house had endearing elements well worth preserving.

Incorporating green design throughout, the new addition gently cascades down the hill, echoing the natural slope of the topography. Floor to ceiling windows showcase breathtaking views of one of the most famous valleys in the world Silicon Valley.

Upper Level

Location: Portola Valley, CA Completion: 2011 Sq.Ft.: 1,990 Site: steep sloping Backyard before addition

6

1. Hillside addition field architecture HOUSES

7

8

Kitchen before addition

“ We love to cook and entertain and wanted a kitchen with a social, joyful, healthy feeling.�

field architecture HOUSES

9

“I wanted a quiet space for meditation, with a big view. Like a temple to be one with nature and reconnect.�

10

field architecture HOUSES

11

12

Patio before addition

“We wanted a flat grassy area for the kids to run around, where it’s fun to get away from the computer and play under the big blue sky!”

field architecture HOUSES

13

Location: Atherton, CA Completion: 2011 Sq.Ft.: 4,000 sq.ft remodel 1,990 sq.ft. addition Site: flat, open

House transformed Situated on a sunny flat lot in Atherton we created a casual yet elegant indoor-outdoor living environment.

The lime plaster exterior, combined with wood floors that wrap onto the overhangs of the house, combine cool and warm materials to accentuate the interlocking sun-washed interior spaces with the outdoor living areas.

Dining room before remodel 14

Prior to purchasing the property, our clients brought us in to assess the design potential of the existing structure. This enabled them to better evaluate the property ’s potential.

Ultimately, we worked with the clients on an extensive remodel to the existing house and a new pool house addition.

Living room before remodel

2. Cebalo house

field architecture HOUSES

15

(top) living room after remodel (bottom) bathroom in pool house addition 16

field architecture HOUSES

17

Location: Portola Valley, CA Completion: 2007 Sq.Ft.: 3,921 Site: steep sloped

It was all about living in the trees fA was commissioned to preserve the core of this original house, nestled amongst oaks and redwoods.

The design intent was to penetrate the existing house on either side, connecting the addition to the core on one side and nature’s spaces on the other.

A series of four strands traverse the steep hillside, overgrown with California oaks. The house, which replaces a mid-century craftsman, maintains the crafted feel of the original, while giving it a contemporary expression.

Sketch of Site Plan; Two center rectangles are existing, two outer rectangles are the addition

18

3. Woodlands remodel field architecture HOUSES

19

20

(right) Staircase building, created to preserve the upper floors of the existing building and a transition from indoor to the outdoor. (left) A series of staggered roof pitches that allows light in through the top edges of the gables.

Site Plan (top) South Elevation (bottom) field architecture HOUSES

21

After remodel

Remodeling homes is an art and science that needs to carefully blend the old with the new.

Our goal with these special projects is to utilize what is already there, while updating the flow and organization of the house. The Woodview Terrace remodel is a great example of bringing it all together with the magic of a cohesive design that really works.

22

4. Woodview remodel

House before remodel

“We want light and sun to permeate our home as much as possible... the modern style, combining wood and glass, should reflect the sunlight�

field architecture HOUSES

23

24

Kitchen before remodel

We wanted the house to exemplify indoor- outdoor living. So we can cook and eat in either environment and entertain in any area.

field architecture HOUSES

25

Flexible space Concrete Y-shaped walls define interior spaces, creating separation between the master bedroom and the home’s communal core. To allow more openness, Field eschewed a door into the bedroom, instead

26

designing a sliding wall – unseen (above). Outdoors, deep overhangs (right) help delineate and put a roof over a second “dining room”.

5. Jay Street house (Left to right) Flexible office spaces and Exterior field architecture HOUSES

27

“Our work is place sensitive, it’s all about using site and context to drive the design.�

The young couple wanted a place where the lifestyle was centered around food, wine and outdoor living; a house that remains understated and is reflective of its surroundings.

It is common for a home in a rural area to be comprised of a series of smaller buildings.

We started with this idea as a basis for connecting the main house with the guest and pool houses. These come together around a common courtyard, from which one can view both sides of the valley at the same time.

A large overhang shades the courtyard where afternoon breezes flow in over the pool and surrounding patios.

Napa Valley House 28

6. Napa Valley house field architecture HOUSES

29

When taking a road less travelled in the African Midlands, there can’t be a soul who doesn’t play with the idea of “I could live here”.

30

7. Reeds house The Balgowan area is rich with South African history and sits between a stunning lake and forest. The house fits in to the contours of the land and uses the steady temperature of the earth for passive heating and cooling. The living room and kitchen areas open up onto the viewing deck, which affectionately came to be known as the sun-trap.

Life at the Reeds is pure and uncomplicated. Of course, this doesn’t preclude extreme comfort, luxury and privilege. “Simplicity is more a reference to pure, uncomplicated pursuits, such as fishing, bird watching, hiking and just watching and feeling the slow, unmistakable change of the seasons.”

field architecture HOUSES

31

“ The secluded house at Hidden Lake offers a personal experience of living deep within the wilderness of the Mayacamas range�

32

8. Waterfall house The Water fall House is conceived more as a landscape feature, than a building. Situated above Mayacamas Ranch in Calistoga, the house sits on a series of retaining walls which guide the flow of water from the top of the hill towards Hidden Lake below.

The house is comprised of three independent volumes that cluster around a pond, which pours down to the level below creating a water fall in the center of the house. The fractional ownership residence converts to a triple family use during the holiday season.

field architecture HOUSES

33

Awards & Publications

34

Recent awards: 2011 2011 2011 2011 2009 2009 2008 2008 2008 2008 2005 2005

South African Institute of Architects Regional Award for Architecture World Architecture News 21for21 – 21 Architects to lead the 21st century Fulton Award, Concrete Society of Southern Africa – Ubuntu Centre P/A Award, Citation – Karoo Wilderness Center, South Africa P/A Award, Honor – Ubuntu Centre, South Africa P/A Award, Citation – Bodega Bauer Winery, Argentina AIA Honor Award – Ubuntu Centre, South Africa AIA Citation Award – Bodega Bauer Winery AIA Citation Award – Waverley Residence AIA Citation Award – Portola Valley Residence AIA Honor Award – Reeds at Balgowan, South Africa AIA Citation Award – Jay Street House, Los Altos

Selected publications: AREA Redazione. Vol.117 July – September 2011 Boundaries International Architectural Journal, Italy. July - September 2011 Architecture South Africa. Picasso Headline Ltd. August 2011 Habitat Plus Magazine, Venezuela. May 2011 Close to Architecture, Sendpoint Books Co. Ltd. May 2011 Earthworks Magazine, South Africa. Issue 3. April 2011 Architect Magazine, Healthcare Architecture, April 2011 Architect Magazine, 58th Annual P/A Awards, February 2011 DIGEST Journal of the South African Institute of Architects, “Ubuntu”, February 2011 Indwe Magazine, “Ubuntu Centre”, South Africa, February 2011 Architectura & Construcao Magazine, “Bodega Bauer”, Portugal, June 2009 Architect Magazine, 56th Annual P/A Awards, January 2009 The Robb Report Luxury Home Magazine, “Modern Inspirations”, May 2008 California Home and Design Magazine, May 2008 Dwell Magazine, Houses we Love, February 2008 TODO Magazine, January 2008 Dream Homes of Northern California. Panache, 2007 San Francisco Magazine, February 2007 Newspaper, Half Moon Bay Review, “Romeo Pier”, December 2005 ARCHILAB Orleans 2004: The Naked City, Bart Lootsma, Editions HYX Architecture, 51st Annual P/A Awards, February 2004 field architecture HOUSES

35

36

Credits Photography Bruce DeMonte Cezar Rubio Jess Field Matthew Millman Project Engineers Peter Boyce Structural Engineers Structural Engineers Inc. Holmes Culley Builders MD Construction Young & Burton Hogan & Pinkney Carl Tchaikowsky M.D. Construction Grassi & Associates Ian Dickson Gordon Snedigar Construction

fA Principals Stan Field Jess Field fA Associates Mark Johnson Jeff Pilotte Andy Lin fA Designers/Interns Ben Hall Chris Graesser Yair Tigel Erik Bloom Christina F. Stevenson

Landscape Architects Bernard Trainor Associates Ron Lutsko Associates Peter Shaw

field architecture HOUSES

37

38

field architecture HOUSES

39

Field Architecture T. 650 462 9554 F. 650 462 1473 455 Lambert Ave. Palo Alto, CA 94306 info@fieldarchitecture.com www.fieldarchitecture.com

40