The 4-story stair is a single space in the project, where all four floors could be perceived with partial open risers. A small clerestory hidden in folded planes reveals a view of the sky, ushering light through the 4-story stairway. WIth a limited building envelope of only east and west exposures, many of the home’s spaces are located below grade, providing both another challenge and opportunity for capturing daylight. Located underground, the primary bedroom suite is daylit by the adjacent sunken courtyard, housing the outdoor spa.

Partially covered, crafted openings animate the terrace with changing light and shadows throughout the day, and color-changing LEDs at night. A meditative space at the top level of the home is softly illuminated from a precisely sculpted ceiling that casts indirect light on the textured plaster walls, creating a delicate play of light and shadow in the room. Elemental materials of gyp board, cypress, doug fir, white oak, steel, Japanese plaster, plywood, concrete, custom terrazzo, and flamed basalt, alongside a minimal color palette are utilized in service of light as the primary material and focus of the house.

The play of light and shadow continues with interior shutters to direct light and view. Captured and folded light creates dynamic effects in this serene home.