Lake Tahoe Retreat

Custom Homes

Dec 9

  
      Location
    Lake Tahoe, NV
  
    Size
    6,700-sq-ft
  
    Designer
    Lake|Flato
  
    Photographer
    Jeff Dow Photography + Motion

Crafting Precision on the Edge of Nature

Nestled into the dramatic incline of a Sierra Nevada hillside, this custom home is a testament to thoughtful design and meticulous craftsmanship. Built to integrate seamlessly with its steep and forested site, the residence balances bold modernity with the surrounding natural beauty. The design invites sunlight through its horizontally-aligned materials, reflecting the rhythm of towering pine trees, while also preserving the integrity of the landscape.

Overcoming Natural Challenges

Each element of the home was carefully calibrated to work within its unique setting. A steep drop from the front entrance to the backyard created numerous challenges, but innovative solutions transformed obstacles into opportunities. The site was prepared with minimal disruption to the environment, ensuring that even towering trees close to the home remained untouched. With its sharp geometry, the foundation had to account for five different levels within the main structure and three more in the garage and game room. Precision planning kept the build on track and in harmony with the architect’s vision.

A Rhythm of Horizontal Design

Horizontal lines dominate the design, repeating the natural stepping of the terrain. Materials like cedar siding, vertical-grain Douglas fir paneling, and custom concrete joints were all aligned to exacting 16-inch intervals. From the exterior to the interior, this rhythmic precision created a seamless visual flow. The interior further showcased built-in features such as bookcases, cabinetry, and stairs that use every square inch efficiently—likened to the intricate design of a boat.

Custom Craftsmanship at Every Corner

The finishes elevate the aesthetic into something extraordinary. From horizontal grooves to the smooth transitions of tongue-and-groove paneling, the attention to detail was nothing short of masterful. Custom elements, like the cabinetry crafted to fit seamlessly into tight spaces, highlight the level of artistry involved in creating this one-of-a-kind home.

"The design of the rooms is very tight and required the cabinetry to be artfully constructed. In fact, many aspects of the house are like building a boat where every inch counts and built-in beds, cabinets, book walls, and stairs are all about utilizing the space. This required a cabinet shop that could shoehorn elements into every corner of the house and keep the interior joining at the same level of precision as the exterior."
David Lake, F.A.I.A.

An Inspiring Vision Realized

The residence stands as a reflection of careful craftsmanship and collaboration, with every material, finish, and feature meticulously planned and executed to bring the vision to life. From its seamless integration with the hillside to its innovative approach to space and light, the home is an inspiring example of what’s possible when thoughtful design meets expert execution.

From the Architect

“The historic mines of the region, with their simple shed forms on the sloping land, were the inspiration for this project. The use of exposed concrete, weathered wood and rusted steel create a palette of low-maintenance materials. The crisp exterior materials give way to warm, natural woods on the interior. The concept of “camp” became the design theme for this active family home. The plan evolved into a series of three buildings that loosely form a courtyard, where the garage/shop/playroom mimics the slope of the hill and provides a visual block to the neighbor.”
— Lake | Flato