this net zero retreat by studio schicketanz blends into the california coast

sustainability meets california cool

studio schicketanz marries high-end finishes with renewable energy strategies for a hillside home in monterey, the US. designed for a silicon valley-based family, their two daughters and live-in parent, the project was originally planned as a weekend retreat but since became a luxe lockdown escape during the coronavirus pandemic.

informed by the rugged landscape of big sur, the architects created a low-lying building that merges with the surroundings. a landscaped courtyard in the center of the scheme creates the sense of outdoor living while operable glass façades provide incredible views out across the vast pacific ocean.

images by joe fletcher photography

highlights of the program include a game room, a den, a large open plan kitchen, and an ocean-front pool. the material palette selected by mary ann gabriele schicketanz, founder of the californian studio, is natural and earthy.

local granite from hollister was used for the rock walls, integral plaster for the ‘cubes’ placed in front of the rock walls, and savannah brown duras flagstone complements the wall stone and entryway connectors. the ‘shell’ was kept in all neutral and earth tone colors while the interior showcases accents of color from the custom blend mosaic walls and venetian plaster accent walls.

a private courtyard centers the scheme

the interiors are decked out with stylish finishes and furnishings. these include pieces from coup d’etat, holly hunt, larsen, moooi, piet boon, miele, brizio, B&B italia, tai ping, phillip jeffries, giorgetti, pindler, restoration hardware, and concrete works.

the pool features petrified wood stumps by leos enderle and rodney hunter while the sculptural artwork of eric gushee and casey mccafferty, as well as pieces by silvia poloto, are found throughout the home. each of the beds, ottomans, bookcases, and media cabinets were custom designed.

as for the building’s net-zero strategies, the architects integrated solar panels and tesla powerwalls. the power produced onsite covers all of the energy needs of the house, as well as enough charging for two electric vehicles.

outdoor living and natural light