Overmyer Residence
Perched on a southern slope in Marin County with spectacular views to Mount Tamalpias, this 4,000 square foot home gently embraces its site. Situated on a natural shelf in a steep hillside, this home is comprised of two intersecting wings anchored by a tower who's inverted, butterfly roof carefully frames the mountain peak. To take advantage of the site's limited flat area the home is pushed to the edge of the slope to wrap around a level garden/courtyard with the upper slope gently spilling into it on one side.
The living, dining, kitchen, study and powder room have wide expanses of glass to the mountain views, spilling onto decks with invisible glass railings. High vaulted ceilings with rhythmic wood beams give definition to the large, open-plan living spaces, which flow together. Clerestory windows on the north capture indirect light and large glass doors provide access to the courtyard. The tower functions as the vestibule to the private wing of the house where the master suite, two children's bedrooms and bath, and utility rooms are oriented at ninety degrees to the public wing. The morning sun shines directly into the children's rooms while illuminating contained views to the mountains beyond. The courtyard is the primary outdoor space for relaxation, play and entertaining. Natural sunlight shines onto the terraced slope with lush gardens and a sculpted walkway to the spa overlooking the courtyard. A wide ribbon of water spills out of the wall at the dining room window into a cool fountain, sending ripples of sound and reflections of light.
A meandering flagstone walkway leads from the guest parking area through a landscaped entry garden to the front door with a glass and steel canopy. A sandblasted glass panel punctuates the maple and cherry entry door. Tightly spaced cedar siding and integrally colored stucco form distinctive elements that layer against one another in contrasting textures and colors. A red stucco column in the entry frames passage into the vaulted living spaces. Golden hues of stucco are sculpted into a masonry fireplace, which divides the living room from the kitchen and contains niches and cabinets for stereo equipment and art objects. Thickened red stucco walls frame doorways, marking portals to the lush courtyard which, when illuminated in the evening, offers a comforting glow to balance the darkness of the mountainside at night.
The kitchen and adjacent wet bar and seating area is bathed in natural light throughout the day. Cherry cabinetry, granite counters, hand blown glass pendant lights and stainless steel appliances provide an elegant palette of materials. Floating vanities in the master bath in beech and cherry wood compliment the subdued tones of the soft limestone flooring. Multi-tonal slate, rich shades of bamboo flooring, transparent washes on cedar siding, bold colors in natural stucco, iridescent bronze metal roofing - each material strong in its nature and rich in its color - all derived from the site itself work together to create a home that is bold, yet comfortable in its natural setting and comforting in its function as a receptacle of life.
The living, dining, kitchen, study and powder room have wide expanses of glass to the mountain views, spilling onto decks with invisible glass railings. High vaulted ceilings with rhythmic wood beams give definition to the large, open-plan living spaces, which flow together. Clerestory windows on the north capture indirect light and large glass doors provide access to the courtyard. The tower functions as the vestibule to the private wing of the house where the master suite, two children's bedrooms and bath, and utility rooms are oriented at ninety degrees to the public wing. The morning sun shines directly into the children's rooms while illuminating contained views to the mountains beyond. The courtyard is the primary outdoor space for relaxation, play and entertaining. Natural sunlight shines onto the terraced slope with lush gardens and a sculpted walkway to the spa overlooking the courtyard. A wide ribbon of water spills out of the wall at the dining room window into a cool fountain, sending ripples of sound and reflections of light.
A meandering flagstone walkway leads from the guest parking area through a landscaped entry garden to the front door with a glass and steel canopy. A sandblasted glass panel punctuates the maple and cherry entry door. Tightly spaced cedar siding and integrally colored stucco form distinctive elements that layer against one another in contrasting textures and colors. A red stucco column in the entry frames passage into the vaulted living spaces. Golden hues of stucco are sculpted into a masonry fireplace, which divides the living room from the kitchen and contains niches and cabinets for stereo equipment and art objects. Thickened red stucco walls frame doorways, marking portals to the lush courtyard which, when illuminated in the evening, offers a comforting glow to balance the darkness of the mountainside at night.
The kitchen and adjacent wet bar and seating area is bathed in natural light throughout the day. Cherry cabinetry, granite counters, hand blown glass pendant lights and stainless steel appliances provide an elegant palette of materials. Floating vanities in the master bath in beech and cherry wood compliment the subdued tones of the soft limestone flooring. Multi-tonal slate, rich shades of bamboo flooring, transparent washes on cedar siding, bold colors in natural stucco, iridescent bronze metal roofing - each material strong in its nature and rich in its color - all derived from the site itself work together to create a home that is bold, yet comfortable in its natural setting and comforting in its function as a receptacle of life.
Country: United States
