A Small Modern Home Overlooks Olive Trees in Sonoma by Cooper Joseph Studio.

Cooper Joseph Studio, formerly Wendy Joseph Evans Architecture, has designed this small 850 square guest house in the Dry Creek area of Sonoma. Located on a terraced hill, the modern structure overlooks a field of olive trees and is nestled amongst lavender and rosemary. The home was designed for two scientists who grow olives and make olive oil, keep bees and produce honey, garden and many other endeavors that take advantage of the area’s climate, soils and site.















Situated at the top of an olive orchard, the exposure faces north, taking advantage of the breezes, and shade from existing forests to the south. Exploiting an existing open area with particularly hard clay soils, no trees were removed. The goal was to create an energy efficient, compact dwelling where the clients could sit in shaded areas, entertain friends with their own food production, and enjoy the wonderful views across agricultural lands. The 30-foot-high concrete wall dividing the house was a technical achievement, according to the architects. The home also has a solar array for power and a high albedo [surface reflection] roof.













The interior:















Site plans and architectural drawings:











Small House, 2011

Sonoma, CA





Client: Charles Homcy / Diana Sylvestre



Architect: Cooper Joseph Studio, New York



Design Principal: Wendy Evans Joseph, Chris Cooper



Project Architects: Wendy Evans Joseph and Chris Cooper



Project Manager: Chris Good



Project Team: Chris Good and Farzana Gandhi



Architect of Record: Richardson Architects



Structural Engineer: Tysinger & Associates Structural Engineers



Landscape Architect: Jacobsen Landscaping



Interior Designer: Cooper Joseph Studio



Contractor: Red Horse Construction



Construction Manager: David Warner



Zinc Siding: VM Zinc



Composite Decking: Timber Deck



Resin: 3-Form



Counter Tops: Caeserstone



Oak Millwork: Custom-stained Oak



Site Area: 25 Acres



Building Area: 850 sq. ft. enclosed



For more information regarding the building process and materials, see this post at The Contemporist.



Additional photos courtesy of Elliott Kaufman Photography, additional information courtesy of California Architects



Cooper Joseph Studio

A Look Inside And Out Of The Incredible Rentable Sliding House In Nova Scotia.

Completed in 2008, this fabulous and unusual Sliding House on Canada's coast is a 1,700 square foot residence that was commissioned by creative directors David Peters and Rhonda Rubenstein and designed by architect Brian Mackay-Lyons.




Unusual on the outside, both for its sloping design -the home is placed on an eight degree slope and has views of the sea- and corrugated aluminum exterior, the inside is just as eye-catching with its beautifully designed and decorated interior (tons of photos shown later in the post).





The exterior is covered in industrial metal corrugated cladding. A thick north service wall containing stairs, baths, kitchen, hearth and storage protects the house from cold north winds.




It is available for weekly renting and sleeps four with its large master bedroom, loft area, fully equipped kitchen, enclosed fireplace, flatscreen TV, DVD player, and high-speed internet access.






The interior is entirely finished in unbleached clear poplar hardwood and is impeccably decorated with sophisticated furniture, modern lighting and high end appliances.
















photos courtesy of Jean-Luc Laloux, MLS Architects, and Sliding House

Nearby activities include whale-watching, horseback riding, sailing, golfing, fishing, fine dining and music and craft festivals depending upon the season.

Located in the coastal community of Upper Kingsberg in Canada, the home is a 90 minute drive from the Halifax airport.

Weekly rates are $1800 in the off-season and $2250 from June 26-August 27.

Interested in renting? email their property manager rentals@stayinnoviascotia.com or contact David Peters.