After decades circling the globe for work, these homeowners were overjoyed to finally settle into retirement in the Santa Ynez Valley. Their goals were to have a home:
• Built in harmony with the surroundings they held so dear;
• That emulates the great lodges of the American west; and,
• Allows guests to feel the same sense of connection, peace, and bliss when they came to visit.
Tom Ochsner designed the beautiful Bhutanese inspired architecture, blending in newer related styles, particularly that of Craftsman Prairie. A very low, sloped roof and deep eaves exude a peacefulness, with minimal interruption of the natural landscape and skyline. Use of heavy-timbered windows and outside walls reminiscent of “rammed earth” walls give a nod to the Bhutanese structures the owners loved during their travels. Clean lines, edges, and an airiness dominate the interior, which the homeowners were drawn to during their travels in Central Asia and Japan.
Shannon Scott Design seamlessly blended the architectural and interior aesthetic elements, using sleek, minimal lines and natural materials throughout the home, guest house, and detached garage. Colors and cultural themes in the main house were kept consistent with those found in the arts of Indonesia, the Philippines, Laos, Thailand, China, and Holland, including two Tibetan horns that grace the front entry of the main residence.
Allen Construction's team of master craftsmen worked closely with the architect, clients, and designer to bring the plans to life and guiding the team toward innovative, energy- and water-efficient, sustainable solutions both indoors and out. One example of a particularly complex construction challenge was the large circular skylight above the kitchen island—a central design feature finished with a recreation in metal of a Shanyrak, the most sacred space in a Kazakh yurt. The top surface of the skylight above it is made of Lexan, intentionally clear—not translucent or opaque—to afford a direct view of “The Eternal Blue Sky”, the Kazakh-Mongolian translation for “Heaven”.

The result of the close collaboration of the homeowners with the entire design and building team is a home that was built in harmony with its environment and will withstand the test of time.