dowling studios: westside road

‘westside road’ by dowling studios, sonoma county, california image © matthew millman

blending into the surrounding wooded landscape, the ‘westside road’ residence san francisco and princeton-based dowling studios offers panoramic views of sonoma county’s russian river valley. the rural 22 acre site has been minimally disturbed, utilizing prefabricated and panelized framing system for custom site-built construction. positioned upon a knoll, the home was conceived as a wood slice, receding into the forest along the west, north and east sides of the structure. a covered patio and lap pool are placed between the living areas and the scenic valley below. to lay lightly upon the land, the internal program minimizes wasted circulation space, eliminating wasteful rooms such as entry foyers and walk-in closets.

facing south, the elongated facade maintains spectacular vistas while maximizing solar orientation. energy efficiency and sustainable methods within a limited budget were of top priority and were tested and implemented to their fullest extent. a large cantilevered overhang protecting the great room’s floor to ceiling perimeter windows allows passive cooling and heating without excessive solar gain. a concrete slab foundation provides additional thermal mass while insulated fiberglass skylights and rooftop solar photovoltaic system reduce energy needs. reclaimed wood flooring and low VOC paints were used on the interior.

built into a knoll image © matthew millman

back to back bedrooms image © matthew millman

(left) entry walk (right) facade and material detail images © matthew millman

view through living room image © matthew millman

(left) south veranda (right) outdoor dining area and lap pool images © matthew millman

kitchen image © matthew millman

kitchen, dining and living area image © matthew millman

living room image © matthew millman

view from kitchen image © matthew millman

dining table image © matthew millman

(left) fireplace (right)  guest room images © matthew millman

bedroom

image © matthew millman

bathroom

image © matthew millman

at dusk image © matthew millman

site plan

floor plan / level 0 1. entry 2. kitchen 3. dining 4. living 5. gas fireplace 6. master bedroom 7. master bathroom 8. den / guest room 9. bedroom 10. bedroom 11. bathroom 12. pool bath 13. laundry room 14. mechanical closet 15. pool patio 16. 76 foot lap pool

section

elevation