The Napa Valley HouseCustom Home
Across valley from the town of St. Helena in the very heart of the
Napa Valley, this site presented a magnificent opportunity to capture
180 degree views of the entire valley with the addition of a second
story and a major remodel to an existing residence. Two levels of
limestone-covered decks on the view side provide both shade from the
afternoon sun and entertaining spaces. Vaulted ceilings in the interior
spaces with neutral colors reflect natural light from the expansive
view-facing windows into the interior and allow the colors of the
landscape to reflect deep into the house. Corner windows without a
center mullion make the openings seem windowless and help to blur the
distinction from outdoors to indoors. Stainless steel cable deck
railings provide a minimal interruption of the views.
The finishes and details are subtle, clean, and contemporary to
blend into the naturally beautiful surroundings of this world-class
center for wine, food and culture. The gourmet kitchen has a large bar
that becomes the center of activity in any social gathering. The
drive-through porte cochere accommodates guest parking for several cars.
The design style is simple elegance. The roof forms can appear to
be flying into the valley below with parallel roof planes accented by
standing seam metal roofs that flow toward the view. The arches were
designed to receive a translucent covering for the upper deck, not shown
in these photos.