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10 Inspired West Coast Homes MODERN ITALIAN FARMHOUSE IN A VINEYARD Sierra Wine Country, CA "We want a barefoot house! We envision living in a vineyard, in a farmhouse — not an ancient broken-down house or one of those suburban faux Mediterranean villas, but a modern European farmhouse that's fresh. We want it to feel new and old at the same time!" We loved designing this project because everything about it is about simple living. Less about building than creating a sense of place that would inspire informal gatherings with friends, fresh food, and the simple lifestyle that is connected to an agricultural landscape. Designed to appear as if different occupants had enlarged the original house over time, the wings of the house each respond to the adjacent landscape with vineyard view patios, intimate courtyards and commanding roof decks. The building materials of the house seamlessly flow into the exterior — colored concrete flooring, smooth stucco plastered walls and fireplace, crafted concrete countertops, window frames color matched to the oak tree leaves, terracotta- colored columns, chimney covers made from industrial vitrified clay sewer pipes, and metal roofing that matches the color of grape leaves. Technology abounds—floors are heated by radiant tubing imbedded in the concrete, air vents are hidden, natural cross flow ventilation means air conditioning is rarely used, and music from the piano fills the home acoustically. Photographs by Jay Graham Designed by ORR Design Office, East Bay & Sacramento, CA, page

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