Finding a home is not easy in a seller’s market, but when my clients discovered one—even though it needed a bit of work—in a beautiful area of the Santa Cruz Mountains, they decided to jump in. Surrounded by old-growth redwood trees and a sense of old-time history, the house’s location informed the design brief for their desired remodel work. Yet I needed to balance this with my client’s preference for clean-lined, modern style. Suffering from a previous remodel, the galley-like bathroom in the master suite was long and dank. My clients were willing to completely redesign the layout of the suite, so the bathroom became the walk-in closet. We borrowed space from the bedroom to create a new, larger master bathroom which now includes a separate tub and shower. The look of the room nods to nature with organic elements like a pebbled shower floor and vertical accent tiles of honed green slate. A custom vanity of blue weathered wood and a ceiling that recalls the look of pressed tin evoke a time long ago when people settled this mountain region. At the same time, the hardware in the room looks to the future with sleek, modular shapes in a chic matte black finish. Harmonious, serene, with personality: just what my clients wanted. Photo: Bernardo Grijalva

Following a single contour line for one-level living. With an attenuated plan and delicate folds in the roof, the origin of the name “Origami House” is clear. The house is built along a contour on a gentle south-facing slope. The different slopes of the black roof, the gray cement-board walls in a traditional Japanese clapboard style, and the Cor-Ten sheet metal accents at the entrances evoke a natural formation in the woods as much as traditional readings of “house.” Requirements included rooms to pursue interests and support a lifestyle in very specific ways: an acoustically isolated music room, a sewing room, a screened porch, a wine room and room for a large collection of books. Low-maintenance and energy-efficiency were desired, with conveniences and arrangements that will continue to meet their needs as they age. A strong connection to the site, embracing the outdoors was essential.

Spacecrafting
Traditional gray two-story concrete fiberboard exterior home idea in Minneapolis

Following a single contour line for one-level living. With an attenuated plan and delicate folds in the roof, the origin of the name “Origami House” is clear. The house is built along a contour on a gentle south-facing slope. The different slopes of the black roof, the gray cement-board walls in a traditional Japanese clapboard style, and the Cor-Ten sheet metal accents at the entrances evoke a natural formation in the woods as much as traditional readings of “house.” An outdoor shower in the garden, directly adjacent to the primary bed and bath suite.

Blue Bruin Photography
Tuscan living room photo in Austin

The unique design of the Origami Planter makes a statement in any location. This ultra-durable, modern planter is crack and fade proof, making it perfect for even the most extreme weather conditions. Lightweight and easy to handle and double walled for extra protection for plant roots. Contains pre-drilled drainage holes.

Some spirits can never be fenced in. They need to soak in the blue of endless horizon and the subtle earthy colors of the high plains and desert. Sun-washed and warm, this palette can be seen in the baked clay canyons, worn leather and woven wool blankets of the true New West. INFLUENCERS: Carefree Bohemian Modern cowgirl Unbridled adventure Southwestern twist PALETTE: Origami White SW 7636 Cavern Clay SW 7701 Moth Wing SW 9174 Baked Cookie SW 9098 Dark Clove SW 9183 Distance SW 6243 Caramelized SW 9186 Main Walls: Moth Wing SW 9174 Back Accent Wall: Dark Clove SW 9183 Bookshelf Trim: Origami White SW 7636

Photography: Jessica Makes Studio
Inspiration for a 1950s kitchen remodel in San Francisco

Finding a home is not easy in a seller’s market, but when my clients discovered one—even though it needed a bit of work—in a beautiful area of the Santa Cruz Mountains, they decided to jump in. Surrounded by old-growth redwood trees and a sense of old-time history, the house’s location informed the design brief for their desired remodel work. Yet I needed to balance this with my client’s preference for clean-lined, modern style. Suffering from a previous remodel, the galley-like bathroom in the master suite was long and dank. My clients were willing to completely redesign the layout of the suite, so the bathroom became the walk-in closet. We borrowed space from the bedroom to create a new, larger master bathroom which now includes a separate tub and shower. The look of the room nods to nature with organic elements like a pebbled shower floor and vertical accent tiles of honed green slate. A custom vanity of blue weathered wood and a ceiling that recalls the look of pressed tin evoke a time long ago when people settled this mountain region. At the same time, the hardware in the room looks to the future with sleek, modular shapes in a chic matte black finish. Harmonious, serene, with personality: just what my clients wanted. Photo: Bernardo Grijalva

Following a single contour line for one-level living. With an attenuated plan and delicate folds in the roof, the origin of the name “Origami House” is clear. The house is built along a contour on a gentle south-facing slope. The different slopes of the black roof, the gray cement-board walls in a traditional Japanese clapboard style, and the Cor-Ten sheet metal accents at the entrances evoke a natural formation in the woods as much as traditional readings of “house.” The “folding” theme scales from the roof form to custom light fixtures and handrail brackets. The house has nooks and crannies inside and out, and surprising spaces that enter one’s sight lines and invite exploration. Views unfold as one enters, revealing big windows that open up the interior to the surrounding woods. The plan concept provides access to light and landscape, and privacy for disparate activities.

Rayva Home Theater. Origami theme. Location: Briarcliff Manor, NY. Photographer Phillip Ennis
Example of a large trendy enclosed carpeted and gray floor home theater design in New York with gray walls and a projector screen

Following a single contour line for one-level living. With an attenuated plan and delicate folds in the roof, the origin of the name “Origami House” is clear. The house is built along a contour on a gentle south-facing slope. The different slopes of the black roof, the gray cement-board walls in a traditional Japanese clapboard style, and the Cor-Ten sheet metal accents at the entrances evoke a natural formation in the woods as much as traditional readings of “house.” The “folding” theme scales from the roof form to custom light fixtures and handrail brackets. The house has nooks and crannies inside and out, and surprising spaces that enter one’s sight lines and invite exploration. Views unfold as one enters, revealing big windows that open up the interior to the surrounding woods. The plan concept provides access to light and landscape, and privacy for disparate activities.

Following a single contour line for one-level living. With an attenuated plan and delicate folds in the roof, the origin of the name “Origami House” is clear. The house is built along a contour on a gentle south-facing slope. The different slopes of the black roof, the gray cement-board walls in a traditional Japanese clapboard style, and the Cor-Ten sheet metal accents at the entrances evoke a natural formation in the woods as much as traditional readings of “house.” The galley kitchen and garden share the same axis. Directly outside the kitchen is a bubbling fountain made from weathered Corten steel.

We created a light fixture (based on Lindsay Adelman's You Make It) and had it plated copper to coordinate with the lovely copper chairs. Both metal pieces were not sealed and allow the natural patina and fingerprints to add interesting texture and warmth. The shades were of a natural material and allow light to pass through for an airy feel but diffuse it enough to avoid a harsh glare. © scott benedict | practical(ly) studios

SpaceCraft
Example of a classic kitchen design in Minneapolis

Example of a trendy dining room design in Chicago

Blue Bruin Photography
Inspiration for a mediterranean dining room remodel in Austin

Spacecrafting
Traditional gray concrete fiberboard exterior home idea in Minneapolis

Following a single contour line for one-level living. With an attenuated plan and delicate folds in the roof, the origin of the name “Origami House” is clear. The house is built along a contour on a gentle south-facing slope. The different slopes of the black roof, the gray cement-board walls in a traditional Japanese clapboard style, and the Cor-Ten sheet metal accents at the entrances evoke a natural formation in the woods as much as traditional readings of “house.” The “folding” theme scales from the roof form to custom light fixtures and handrail brackets. The house has nooks and crannies inside and out, and surprising spaces that enter one’s sight lines and invite exploration. Views unfold as one enters, revealing big windows that open up the interior to the surrounding woods. The plan concept provides access to light and landscape, and privacy for disparate activities. Insulated concrete floors are pigmented, poured with radiant heating tubes in the matrix, and polished to reflect light, trees, and sky. Views unfold as one enters the living room, revealing large windows that open up the interior to the surrounding woods. Glass is held in place by fixed and operable Douglas Fir frames.