dowling studios: whitehall lane

'whitehall lane' by dowling studios, st helena, california
image © matthew millman


san francisco and princeton-based dowling studios have designed 'whitehall lane', a residence and guesthouse in
st helena, california. positioned along a steep slope, the site is framed with a backdrop of mature trees and a garden
positioned in front of the main home while providing unobstructed views of napa valley and the vineyards to the east.
accessed by a series of portals branching from an internal corridor, an enclosed courtyard planted with ornamental
cherry trees to the west side of the dwelling creates an intimate outdoor setting.



framed by the woods and vineyard
image © matthew millman


strategically framed with large windows, stretches of fruit trees, flowers and a small personal vineyard encompass each side
of the structures to maintain color and texture which may be viewed from the spaces inside throughout the year. the facades are clad
with horizontal planks of cedar while a warm gray stone and pigmented concrete fuse the site with the patio, pool and landscape,
producing a rural and modern appearance. a material palette of walnut floors and warm white walls unify the interior.



main house
image © matthew millman



patio overlooking the garden, pool and napa valley beyond
image © matthew millman



view from the pool
image © matthew millman



entry
image © matthew millman



side entrance
image © matthew millman



courtyard in the backyard
image © matthew millman



portals to the courtyard
image © matthew millman



kitchen
image © matthew millman



(left) kitchen
(right) view of kitchen from living area
images © matthew millman



side entry and corridor
image © matthew millman



corridor
image © matthew millman



stair detail
image © matthew millman



(left) bedroom
(right) bathroom
images © matthew millman



guesthouse
image © matthew millman



at dusk
image © matthew millman



at night
image © matthew millman