Embracing Nature
BY BARBARA DALY
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Ensconced among the pine trees, perched on a cliff of the western Sierra Nevada mountains in Blairsden, California is a family retreat designed by Michael Donaldson of Stockton’s architectural firm, LDA Partners.
The homeowners wanted a getaway where they could relax and appreciate nature’s abundance. “We like fly-fishing, hiking and clean air. We just like to come up here and totally escape,” says the homeowner.
Michael was asked to design a home that embraced the surrounding beauty, and would be cozy for two as well as comfortable for extended family gatherings and entertaining. And that’s just what they got with this inviting vacation retreat.
Great room windows capture views across the valley for 30 miles. An ingenious glass roll-up garage-style door opens up to the outdoor deck adding an alfresco living space. The result: lots of room for entertaining and appreciating nature!
The active family also enjoys a 28-foot-tall climbing wall that Michael incorporated into the home’s interior design. The masonry “spine” also collects and stores heat from the wood stove, providing an environmentally-efficient and clever way to warm the home.
Michael Donaldson of LDA Partners is a big proponent of sustainability. “It’s important that we do all we can to minimize a home’s environmental footprint,” says Michael.
Regionally manufactured materials and a passive heating and cooling system are just a few of the environmental elements used. Michael also took into consideration the area’s potential for wildfires. Concrete masonry, recycled steel siding and roofing protect the home from fire hazards and extreme climate conditions, as well as keeping gas and electric bills low.
At an elevation of 5200 feet, nestled in the mountains among towering pines, the homeowners love their getaway. “When the snow is falling and the wind picks up, we’re comfortable and can watch nature at its finest,” says the proud owner of an ideal family retreat. “It’s a great place to go with the family.”
The homeowners wanted a getaway where they could relax and appreciate nature’s abundance. “We like fly-fishing, hiking and clean air. We just like to come up here and totally escape,” says the homeowner.
Michael was asked to design a home that embraced the surrounding beauty, and would be cozy for two as well as comfortable for extended family gatherings and entertaining. And that’s just what they got with this inviting vacation retreat.
Great room windows capture views across the valley for 30 miles. An ingenious glass roll-up garage-style door opens up to the outdoor deck adding an alfresco living space. The result: lots of room for entertaining and appreciating nature!
The active family also enjoys a 28-foot-tall climbing wall that Michael incorporated into the home’s interior design. The masonry “spine” also collects and stores heat from the wood stove, providing an environmentally-efficient and clever way to warm the home.
Michael Donaldson of LDA Partners is a big proponent of sustainability. “It’s important that we do all we can to minimize a home’s environmental footprint,” says Michael.
Regionally manufactured materials and a passive heating and cooling system are just a few of the environmental elements used. Michael also took into consideration the area’s potential for wildfires. Concrete masonry, recycled steel siding and roofing protect the home from fire hazards and extreme climate conditions, as well as keeping gas and electric bills low.
At an elevation of 5200 feet, nestled in the mountains among towering pines, the homeowners love their getaway. “When the snow is falling and the wind picks up, we’re comfortable and can watch nature at its finest,” says the proud owner of an ideal family retreat. “It’s a great place to go with the family.”