Sited on a hilltop overlooking vineyards in Southern California’s Temecula Valley, this 6800sf two-story home almost literally greets the view with open arms. DNM Architecture is project architect in another collaboration with San Francisco based award-winning creative studio Nonfiction, who leads the design. 

The house’s two wings form a “V” opening towards the west and the valley below. One wing contains the living and kitchen areas as well as a spacious primary bedroom suite while the other contains bedrooms, a lounge and sauna. Between the wings is a large triangular terrace bounded by a lap pool and spa. Both wings feature spacious roof decks for entertaining and relaxation under the stars. A second outdoor spa perches on the edge of the northern roof deck, symbolically guarding and announcing the entry for visitors and offering spectacular views for the occupants.

Procession and arrival are key architectural concepts. The site is entered by car below the house on the northwestern property line. From there, the driveway sweeps south and under the large ponderous cantilever of the primary suite. 270 degrees later the driver arrives at the northeastern quadrant and enters the house at the apex of the two wings, reoriented towards the major valley view. From the foyer, a curved staircase invites visitors to ascend to the two roof decks above. The exterior is clad in a combination of LUX metal plank paneling and smooth stucco, providing a maintenance free and fire resistant wall. Completing the exterior are dark bronze aluminum doors and windows, Ipe roof decking and glass guardrails. Interior finishes are crisp, warm and spare. Custom millwork throughout features sustainably forested hardwood veneers. As much as possible the landscape will be restored and maintained in its natural state, minimizing the need for irrigation.

Thanks to highly insulated walls and roofs, passive design features, a planned 9KwH solar array with battery back-up, energy efficient appliances and lighting, the all-electric home is designed to exceed California’s stringent energy standards.