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THE ORBITAL
Sacramento, CA
"We love modern architecture but do not want to live in a big glass box. We prefer a signature design style of curves and softer-shaped spaces and
open glass that brings a lot of light inside. Our extended family of 40 to 50 gathers for dinner once a month, and we need to accommodate everybody
in a cozy way."
This creative project is a live-in sculptural experience. There are so many uniquely designed innovations that it is impossible to summarize everything
unless an entire book was written about it—which was done. Features include sweeping curved walls that "flow" through the house into the site, a
swimming pool, and patios; an intimate forest of trees that extends the front yard nearly to the house's core; and a 12-by-20-foot curved sliding wall
that separates the living room and highly finished garage to become a huge temporary living room extension. A sweeping "sky bridge" in the backyard
slopes around and above the pool, creating a second-floor ramped access way and dramatic spatial enclosure in the backyard. The design was blessed
by a feng shui master that came from Hong Kong, who directed certain specific features to be developed so that health and prosperity would come to
the family and their friends.
Photographs by Don Button
Designed by ORR Design Office, East Bay & Sacramento, CA, page 214
