Healdsburg, California, USA
Inspired by the hardened shell of an insect, Studio Vara has designed a family residence, with a rugged metal wrapper that envelops the simple elongated form of this structure.
The residence features a 180-foot-long prismatic structure, strategically aligned along an east-west axis.
A central kink in the form maximizes panoramic views, capturing sunrises over Mount St. Helena to the east and sunsets to the west.
This orientation enhances passive ventilation and optimizes solar exposure, contributing to the home’s energy efficiency.
Studio Vara’s Carapace Retreat has been awarded a 2024 American Architecture Awards from The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture, Design, and Urban Studies.
Echoing the protective nature of a carapace, the home is enveloped in standing-seam zinc panels that cover both the roof and walls.
This durable metal shell offers defense against the region’s intense sun and frequent wildfires, while the structure itself is elevated on a concrete base to further mitigate environmental risks.
Utilizing prefabricated heavy timber glulam frames, the interior layout is organized along a single-loaded corridor.
A breezeway delineates public and private areas within the home.
The rhythm of the structural framework informs the placement of windows and the selection of materials, with vertical cedar screens providing shade for outdoor living spaces
The retreat is equipped with rooftop solar panels, Tesla Powerwall batteries, and a backup generator, enabling off-grid functionality and reducing reliance on external power sources.
On-site water sourcing, purification, heating, and storage systems are integrated into the design, ensuring a self-sufficient water supply that aligns with sustainable living practices.
Incorporating advanced fire protection strategies, the design includes defensible space planning and the use of fire-resistant materials to enhance the home’s resilience against wildfires.
The surrounding landscape features scalloped Corten steel retaining walls that integrate terraces and driveways into the hillside.
A network of trails provides access to the natural environment and contributes to the property’s defensible space strategy, balancing aesthetic appeal with functional resilience.
Project: The Carapace Retreat
Architects: Studio VARA
Landscape Designer: Studio VARA
Interior Designer: Studio VARA
Lighting Designer: Tucci Lighting
Structural Engineer: Strandberg Engineering
General Contractor: Fairweather & Associates
Client: Private
Photographers: Matthew Millman
