Designer: Allen Construction General Contractor: Allen Construction Photographer: Jim Bartsch Photography
1960s one-story glass exterior home idea in Los Angeles

The Mazama house is located in the Methow Valley of Washington State, a secluded mountain valley on the eastern edge of the North Cascades, about 200 miles northeast of Seattle. The house has been carefully placed in a copse of trees at the easterly end of a large meadow. Two major building volumes indicate the house organization. A grounded 2-story bedroom wing anchors a raised living pavilion that is lifted off the ground by a series of exposed steel columns. Seen from the access road, the large meadow in front of the house continues right under the main living space, making the living pavilion into a kind of bridge structure spanning over the meadow grass, with the house touching the ground lightly on six steel columns. The raised floor level provides enhanced views as well as keeping the main living level well above the 3-4 feet of winter snow accumulation that is typical for the upper Methow Valley. To further emphasize the idea of lightness, the exposed wood structure of the living pavilion roof changes pitch along its length, so the roof warps upward at each end. The interior exposed wood beams appear like an unfolding fan as the roof pitch changes. The main interior bearing columns are steel with a tapered “V”-shape, recalling the lightness of a dancer. The house reflects the continuing FINNE investigation into the idea of crafted modernism, with cast bronze inserts at the front door, variegated laser-cut steel railing panels, a curvilinear cast-glass kitchen counter, waterjet-cut aluminum light fixtures, and many custom furniture pieces. The house interior has been designed to be completely integral with the exterior. The living pavilion contains more than twelve pieces of custom furniture and lighting, creating a totality of the designed environment that recalls the idea of Gesamtkunstverk, as seen in the work of Josef Hoffman and the Viennese Secessionist movement in the early 20th century. The house has been designed from the start as a sustainable structure, with 40% higher insulation values than required by code, radiant concrete slab heating, efficient natural ventilation, large amounts of natural lighting, water-conserving plumbing fixtures, and locally sourced materials. Windows have high-performance LowE insulated glazing and are equipped with concealed shades. A radiant hydronic heat system with exposed concrete floors allows lower operating temperatures and higher occupant comfort levels. The concrete slabs conserve heat and provide great warmth and comfort for the feet. Deep roof overhangs, built-in shades and high operating clerestory windows are used to reduce heat gain in summer months. During the winter, the lower sun angle is able to penetrate into living spaces and passively warm the exposed concrete floor. Low VOC paints and stains have been used throughout the house. The high level of craft evident in the house reflects another key principle of sustainable design: build it well and make it last for many years! Photo by Benjamin Benschneider

Once you’re convinced (and the evidence will convince you) that incorporating biophilic design elements into your home will improve your life, and the lives of your loved ones, we’ll provide you with step by step instructions on how to undertake a biophilic design project in your home, what to look for when choosing biophilic art, and what to avoid, so that you and your family can experience all the incredible benefits that biophilic art has to offer. Click on the next picture to continue………..

Leisure Lifestyle Fabulous The hottest trend to celebrate life outdoors with friends and family is evident here as this free standing custom built lifestyle pavilion provides all the comforts of home. Living beyond the walls of your home outdoors centered around this lifestyle pavilion is truly incredible and can accommodate all of the family's celebrations. The well equipped outdoor kitchen is truly organized and designed for all family members to celebrate life's grand moments with family and friends. The secret success of designing and building an outdoor kitchen is to complement the space and create a destination outside the home for one to go to. Food, culinary adventure, conversation and fun embraces this outdoor kitchen.

This is an organic Lime Wash done with a true lime wash product as opposed to a brick mortar or concrete that is often seen on new houses. This product can be applied as a solid coating making the surface completely white, or can be applied and "washed off" in many artistic ways, as seen here. If you hate your brick or just want something unique this is a great option! Photo credit: Jeff Murrey

Although the site, orientation, and landscape always influence our new home designs, the natural surroundings of our Wind & Water Project define its organic, modernist form. Located on a bluff overlooking the Chagrin River, the wind blowing through the long grass sparked a floor plan consisting of a series of curving walls, which define different zones of living and ultimately open to the incredible valley views. An undulating roof structure over each space slopes from northern clerestory windows, creating a gentle wave pattern evident throughout the interior ceilings. This motion of water references not only the river below, but the movement of water that has shaped the topography of Northeastern Ohio’s scenic river valleys over millennia. Outside, a playful Casita overlooks the infinity pool and its long river valley views.

Although the site, orientation, and landscape always influence our new home designs, the natural surroundings of our Wind & Water Project define its organic, modernist form. Located on a bluff overlooking the Chagrin River, the wind blowing through the long grass sparked a floor plan consisting of a series of curving walls, which define different zones of living and ultimately open to the incredible valley views. An undulating roof structure over each space slopes from northern clerestory windows, creating a gentle wave pattern evident throughout the interior ceilings. This motion of water references not only the river below, but the movement of water that has shaped the topography of Northeastern Ohio’s scenic river valleys over millennia. Outside, a playful Casita overlooks the infinity pool and its long river valley views.

Although the site, orientation, and landscape always influence our new home designs, the natural surroundings of our Wind & Water Project define its organic, modernist form. Located on a bluff overlooking the Chagrin River, the wind blowing through the long grass sparked a floor plan consisting of a series of curving walls, which define different zones of living and ultimately open to the incredible valley views. An undulating roof structure over each space slopes from northern clerestory windows, creating a gentle wave pattern evident throughout the interior ceilings. This motion of water references not only the river below, but the movement of water that has shaped the topography of Northeastern Ohio’s scenic river valleys over millennia. Outside, a playful Casita overlooks the infinity pool and its long river valley views.

Although the site, orientation, and landscape always influence our new home designs, the natural surroundings of our Wind & Water Project define its organic, modernist form. Located on a bluff overlooking the Chagrin River, the wind blowing through the long grass sparked a floor plan consisting of a series of curving walls, which define different zones of living and ultimately open to the incredible valley views. An undulating roof structure over each space slopes from northern clerestory windows, creating a gentle wave pattern evident throughout the interior ceilings. This motion of water references not only the river below, but the movement of water that has shaped the topography of Northeastern Ohio’s scenic river valleys over millennia. Outside, a playful Casita overlooks the infinity pool and its long river valley views.

Although the site, orientation, and landscape always influence our new home designs, the natural surroundings of our Wind & Water Project define its organic, modernist form. Located on a bluff overlooking the Chagrin River, the wind blowing through the long grass sparked a floor plan consisting of a series of curving walls, which define different zones of living and ultimately open to the incredible valley views. An undulating roof structure over each space slopes from northern clerestory windows, creating a gentle wave pattern evident throughout the interior ceilings. This motion of water references not only the river below, but the movement of water that has shaped the topography of Northeastern Ohio’s scenic river valleys over millennia. Outside, a playful Casita overlooks the infinity pool and its long river valley views.

Although the site, orientation, and landscape always influence our new home designs, the natural surroundings of our Wind & Water Project define its organic, modernist form. Located on a bluff overlooking the Chagrin River, the wind blowing through the long grass sparked a floor plan consisting of a series of curving walls, which define different zones of living and ultimately open to the incredible valley views. An undulating roof structure over each space slopes from northern clerestory windows, creating a gentle wave pattern evident throughout the interior ceilings. This motion of water references not only the river below, but the movement of water that has shaped the topography of Northeastern Ohio’s scenic river valleys over millennia. Outside, a playful Casita overlooks the infinity pool and its long river valley views.

Although the site, orientation, and landscape always influence our new home designs, the natural surroundings of our Wind & Water Project define its organic, modernist form. Located on a bluff overlooking the Chagrin River, the wind blowing through the long grass sparked a floor plan consisting of a series of curving walls, which define different zones of living and ultimately open to the incredible valley views. An undulating roof structure over each space slopes from northern clerestory windows, creating a gentle wave pattern evident throughout the interior ceilings. This motion of water references not only the river below, but the movement of water that has shaped the topography of Northeastern Ohio’s scenic river valleys over millennia. Outside, a playful Casita overlooks the infinity pool and its long river valley views.

Leisure Lifestyle Fabulous The hottest trend to celebrate life outdoors with friends and family is evident here as this free standing custom built lifestyle pavilion provides all the comforts of home. Living beyond the walls of your home outdoors centered around this lifestyle pavilion is truly incredible and can accommodate all of the family's celebrations. The well equipped outdoor kitchen is truly organized and designed for all family members to celebrate life's grand moments with family and friends. The secret success of designing and building an outdoor kitchen is to complement the space and create a destination outside the home for one to go to. Food, culinary adventure, conversation and fun embraces this outdoor kitchen.

Although the site, orientation, and landscape always influence our new home designs, the natural surroundings of our Wind & Water Project define its organic, modernist form. Located on a bluff overlooking the Chagrin River, the wind blowing through the long grass sparked a floor plan consisting of a series of curving walls, which define different zones of living and ultimately open to the incredible valley views. An undulating roof structure over each space slopes from northern clerestory windows, creating a gentle wave pattern evident throughout the interior ceilings. This motion of water references not only the river below, but the movement of water that has shaped the topography of Northeastern Ohio’s scenic river valleys over millennia. Outside, a playful Casita overlooks the infinity pool and its long river valley views.

Although the site, orientation, and landscape always influence our new home designs, the natural surroundings of our Wind & Water Project define its organic, modernist form. Located on a bluff overlooking the Chagrin River, the wind blowing through the long grass sparked a floor plan consisting of a series of curving walls, which define different zones of living and ultimately open to the incredible valley views. An undulating roof structure over each space slopes from northern clerestory windows, creating a gentle wave pattern evident throughout the interior ceilings. This motion of water references not only the river below, but the movement of water that has shaped the topography of Northeastern Ohio’s scenic river valleys over millennia. Outside, a playful Casita overlooks the infinity pool and its long river valley views.

Although the site, orientation, and landscape always influence our new home designs, the natural surroundings of our Wind & Water Project define its organic, modernist form. Located on a bluff overlooking the Chagrin River, the wind blowing through the long grass sparked a floor plan consisting of a series of curving walls, which define different zones of living and ultimately open to the incredible valley views. An undulating roof structure over each space slopes from northern clerestory windows, creating a gentle wave pattern evident throughout the interior ceilings. This motion of water references not only the river below, but the movement of water that has shaped the topography of Northeastern Ohio’s scenic river valleys over millennia. Outside, a playful Casita overlooks the infinity pool and its long river valley views.

Although the site, orientation, and landscape always influence our new home designs, the natural surroundings of our Wind & Water Project define its organic, modernist form. Located on a bluff overlooking the Chagrin River, the wind blowing through the long grass sparked a floor plan consisting of a series of curving walls, which define different zones of living and ultimately open to the incredible valley views. An undulating roof structure over each space slopes from northern clerestory windows, creating a gentle wave pattern evident throughout the interior ceilings. This motion of water references not only the river below, but the movement of water that has shaped the topography of Northeastern Ohio’s scenic river valleys over millennia. Outside, a playful Casita overlooks the infinity pool and its long river valley views.

Although the site, orientation, and landscape always influence our new home designs, the natural surroundings of our Wind & Water Project define its organic, modernist form. Located on a bluff overlooking the Chagrin River, the wind blowing through the long grass sparked a floor plan consisting of a series of curving walls, which define different zones of living and ultimately open to the incredible valley views. An undulating roof structure over each space slopes from northern clerestory windows, creating a gentle wave pattern evident throughout the interior ceilings. This motion of water references not only the river below, but the movement of water that has shaped the topography of Northeastern Ohio’s scenic river valleys over millennia. Outside, a playful Casita overlooks the infinity pool and its long river valley views.

The hottest trend to celebrate life outdoors with friends and family is evident here as this free standing custom built lifestyle pavilion provides all the comforts of home. Living beyond the walls of your home outdoors centered around this lifestyle pavilion is truly incredible and can accommodate all of the family's celebrations. The well equipped outdoor kitchen is truly organized and designed for all family members to celebrate life's grand moments with family and friends. The secret success of designing and building an outdoor kitchen is to complement the space and create a destination outside the home for one to go to. Food, culinary adventure, conversation and fun embraces this outdoor kitchen.