faulkner architects' lookout house is a mountainside retreat in california

faulkner architects’ luxe retreat in the sierra nevada

direct ski access and panoramic views are just two of the features of this residence in truckee, california, designed by faulkner architects. the contemporary dwelling is located 1920 meters above sea level at the base of lookout mountain, a three million-year-old, and now inactive, volcano.

lookout house is embedded into the sloping landscape, creating three levels with both sunken and elevated volumes. the cleared ski access adjoining the site informed the massing of the building: a ski access ramp is created to the east and a narrow circulation space runs through the plan to mirror the shape of a ski run.

lookout house is situated at the base of an inactive volcano

glass the color of cooling magma

the narrow circulation that slices through the house not only references the nearby ski slope but also the ‘intense geologic history’ of the site. the architects clad the north face of this slender space with red-orange glass that suggests the color of cooling magma. it also creates a warming core that extends from the entrance on the lower level to the master bedroom on the top floor.

aside from the warm glow of the tinted glass, the exterior of lookout house is characterized by black steel and monolithic concrete, both of which were chosen for fire resistance and low maintenance. the concrete and steel continue inside with the added touch of wooden ceilings and basalt floors tiles. the 50-cm thick concrete walls are insulated and made from local sand and aggregate. they extend into the landscape to create sheltered outdoor spaces. structural glass doors open the interiors out to the surroundings.

the entrance glows thanks to tinted glass

in addition to its colorful details, lookout house also addresses issues of sustainability with a focus on energy retention through the choice of materials and systems. faulkner architects specified mass-heavy concrete walls and radiantly heated stone floors, an R80 insulated roof, enhanced glazing, and high-efficiency mechanical and lighting equipment to minimize energy loss and use.

with regard to the program, functions are split by the slender circulation. on the middle floor, the western side contains the bedroom accommodation while the eastern side hosts the social spaces, including an open plan kitchen, a sun nook, and two terraces. on the lowest level, this division takes place between services such as the garage and laundry room, and a family room. the smaller top floor is reserved for a palatial master suite complete with a private terrace and lounge.

the main social space opens out to a terrace

lookout house is situated 1920 meters above sea level

the insulated concrete walls are 50cm thick

the master bedroom suite boasts a private terrace with panoramic views

the red-orange glass suggests the color of cooling magma

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project info:

name: lookout house

type: residential

location: truckee, california, the US

architecture: faulkner architects | @faulknerarchitects

team: greg faulkner, christian carpenter, jenna shropshire, darrell linscott, gordon magnin, breanne penrod
civil engineer: shaw engineering
contractor: rickenbach development and construction

structural engineer: CFBR structural group
interior designer: CLL – concept lighting lab
lighting designer: CLL – concept lighting lab
photography: joe fletcher, claudia kappl-joy