Lakeview Court Hillside House

Lakeview Court was originally built as a passive solar lakeside home, and was naturally framed by spacious views of the surrounding lake and mountain. It was designed to be situated on a common sized 100–foot urban lot with 5 foot setbacks. The post–and–beam north side entry is recessed from the street with a landscaped car court, creating a spacious and private entry. All the rooms of this home open onto or provide direct views of a private southern court and terrace, and also overlook the rearward view.

Comprising a total of more than 4,100 square feet (if the lower level is built), this design creates separate living spaces within the home, separates the garage and the living space, and provides private exterior living spaces.

The plan consists of three levels: The lower family level includes a media room opening to the court, two bedrooms, and abundant storage. The main level encloses the living spaces and the master suite. And the versatile upper level is designed for two home offices, one bedroom and one office, or two bedrooms.

A small covered porch leads to the foyer that vaults from 8′ at the door to 12′ as you enter the living areas. The ceiling in the living and dining areas vaults to a dramatic 15′, and they are lined with glazed sliding doors facing the view at the rear of the house. An optional two–sided fireplace faces both areas. A large open kitchen is located next to the dining area. It features an island with a sink, a tremendous amount of counter space, and great views. A door leads to a cozy sunroom at the rear of the house. Off the kitchen there’s a large pantry, a powder room, and a full size laundry room. A small porch leads to the 3–car garage that has a workshop space built in.

The master suite is located on the other side of the house. The ceiling in the master bedroom vaults to 14′, and in the bath area to 11′ (with a venting skylight). The bedroom accesses a private patio at the rear, another optional two–sided fireplace between it and the bath, and a very large walk–in closet. The bathroom has a spa tub with a view, a large step–in shower, two sinks, and a private toilet and bidet.

Stairs next to the foyer lead up to a bedroom with a full bath and a home office, and down to the walkout lower level. This area includes two bedrooms that share an unusually designed bathroom with separate toilet and sink areas and a shared bath. Bedroom 2 also features a large walk–in closet and an alcove framed by windows. Also located on this level is a good sized family room, a wine room, a mechanical room, and both indoor and outdoor storage. All the living areas face and walk out to a courtyard.

Since this was designed for the original homeowner as a “green” home, the house interior is finished with tinted gypsum plaster, recycled timbers, forged steel railings, wood ceilings and trim, and natural, durable, healthy finishes. The construction is extremely durable, low maintenance, energy efficient and sustainable, including materials such as Rastra recycled–foam concrete walls, structural insulated roof panels, reused wood timbers, and cement stucco and cement siding exterior. However, more conventional materials and wall systems could of course be employed.

High windows in gabled ceiling rooms and a three–level open stairway provide for natural summer ventilation throughout the house as well as effecting a visual connection to all levels. Corner windows are used to increase the view cone in all directions. All told, this carefully designed, naturally finished and spacious home is ideal for an urban or lakeside landscape.

Although this home was designed with ICF and SIPs construction, it can be easily changed to standard stud construction by your builder or design professional. Be sure to confirm this with your builder prior to purchasing the plans.