The Caterpillar House, sited on the softly rolling hills of the Santa Lucia Preserve, emphasizes a connection to the land. The Caterpillar House implements sustainable elements while exploring a contemporary version of the ranch ideals: massing that is low and horizontal, an open plan with a strong connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, and main living areas which center informally on the kitchen.
Feldman Architecture explained, "Connecting literally and figuratively to the site, excavated earth was repurposed for the construction of the walls. These rammed earth walls gently curve in response to the site's contours and also act as a thermal mass, regulating temperatures from day to night. Capturing rainwater for irrigation, three tanks proudly sit close to the home - a clear sign of the available water resources for landscape. Large south-facing glass doors open the main living area to a large covered contemporary porch and to an outdoor patio with sunshades that expand and contract to allow for a flexible entertaining area that responds to the client's needs. The glazing, natural ventilation and operable shading also act as a passive heating and cooling system, cooling the house in the summer and warming the house in winter. Integrated photovoltaic panels enable the house to produce all of its energy requirements without compromising the graceful curve of the low roof against the hill.”
Like Us on Facebook
Project Team
CONTRACTOR: Groza Construction
LANDSCAPE DESIGN: Joni Janecki + Associates
LIGHTING DESIGN: Revolver Design
ENGINEER: Yu Strandberg Engineering
RAMMED EARTH CONSULTANT: Rammed Earth Works
ENERGY CONSULTANT: Monterey Energy Group
WATER CONSULTANT: Earthcraft Landscape Design
LEED FOR HOMES REPRESENTATIVE: Michael Heacock + Associates
PHOTOGRAPHY: Joe Fletcher Photography
Awards & Recognition
California Home + Design: Best Residential Architecture under 3000sf, 2012
AIA Monterey Bay: Citation Award for Excellence in Design, 2011
Interior Design Magazine Honoree for Best of Year: Custom Home Design - Suburban, 2011
Builder Magazine's Grand Award for Custom Home less than 3,500 sf, 2011
Featured on Monterey Design Conference Home Tour, October 2011
EcoHome Magazine's Grand Award for Design, 2011
AIA San Francisco Design Citation: Energy & Sustainability, 2011
