klopf architecture's sacramento new residence opens up to natural views

klopf architecture has designed a contemporary, single-story residence that replaces an old, existing ranch home in sacramento, california. the site occupies a large piece of land located in a semi-rural region, surrounded by an open field, large oak trees and a seasonal creek. the calm environment incites a close connection with the house. the primary goal of the project is to create a relationship between the indoor living space and the natural landscape that surrounds it.

main entrance of the ‘sacramento new residence’

the clients — a husband and wife — were looking to create a space for their family to relax outside of their jobs, and one in which they could ultimately retire. klopf architecture’s ‘sacramento new residence’ is a three bedroom, 2.5 bathroom, and 2,633 square foot household that is intended to be the home the couple will live in for a long time. together, the clients and architecture team bring a collaborative sense of creativity to the design process. the couple were attracted to clean lines, simple details, and an openness to the outdoors.

openness to the outdoors highlights the connection between the indoor living spaces and natural context

the new home has been frequently questioned about its challenges during demolition and construction. sean van gelder — the builder — discovered that the slab and foundation were too damaged to keep, turning the residential project into a new house design. the climate was certainly a challenge as well. the architects had to be aware of the sun’s angles, given the high level of openness desired.

clean lines and simple details stand out in the design as a request from the owners

the architects present a wide plan for the new residence that allows the main living space, bathrooms and master bedroom to open up to natural views at the back side. to provide direct and expansive access to the outdoors, large sliding doors are used along the rear of the master bedroom and the main living area. furthermore, the roof is sloped to be at its lowest in the front and open up to the posterior side. this is intended to create a more humble appearance from the front of the house, while still engaging the rear as much as possible. 

high level of openness allows natural light to filter in and illuminate all parts of the house

in addition, klopf has designed the house to feel comfortable and still be energy-efficient year round and throughout the hot summer days. the couple can experience the outdoors on the rear decks when the sun is low and direct in the front of the house. the deep overhangs in the rear patio allow these spaces to be used comfortably during the midday, and when the sun is shining the rear of the house, there is a patio area in the front that is in shade. the outside environment can always be enjoyed comfortably, despite the harsh sun and climate in the area.

indoor spaces are comfortable due to the design team’s awareness of solar incidence and shading devices

the design team employed a number of energy-efficient strategies to make the interior environment comfortable. a continuous layer of rigid insulation was applied to the exterior walls of the house and low solar heat gain glass at the main exposures of the house to reduce the potential insolation. also, a cool metal roof was used to reflect much of the direct sun before it can heat up the house. additionally, the team specified recycled composite siding that maintains its look without maintenance, much longer than wood possibly could.

the owner’s collaboration with the design process of the residence is evident in certain parts of the house

energy-efficiency and natural light filtration are some of the strategies used for this residential project

deep overhangs provide shade for the rear patio

transition from indoor to outdoor spaces of the new residence

sliding doors are used to provide expansive access to outdoor spaces

a number of energy-efficient strategies make the interior environment comfortable
the master bedroom has direct access to outdoor spaces of the new residence

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edited by: apostolos costarangos | designboom