Ehrlich Retreat + | John Friedman Alice Kimm Architects

Ehrlich Retreat +

The Ehrlich Retreat + consists of a new guest house, pool, and shade structure that combine with the original house (previously designed by JFAK) to create a family compound. The new structure is contextually related to the original house, borrowing many of its architectural elements, yet has its own identity. The LEED Platinum project is also a model of “integrated sustainability,” in which its green strategies are seamlessly integrated into a unique sculptural aesthetic.
The structure’s broad frame embraces and gives presence to the new yard while shading the house’s southern orientation; the triangular cut-out over the office creates a dramatic form, but also introduces generous amounts of ambient northern light; the steel and wood trellis provides welcoming shade for the yard, and at the same time hosts a 2.4kW photovoltaic array that powers the house and pool.

courtesy by © Benny Chan/Fotoworks

Project Info
Architects: John Friedman Alice Kimm Architects
Location: California, United States
Architect in Charge: John Friedman
General Contractor: Bonomo Development
Project Team: Alice Kimm, Garrett Belmont, Bob McFadden
Area: 1430.0 ft2
Year: 2012
Type: Residential
Photographs: Benny Chan / Fotoworks