Nestled among the pine and fir trees on a ski hill in Truckee, California, Lookout House by Faulkner Architects pays homage to the site’s geological history.
Truckee is a small mountain town located on the border of California and Nevada, known for its walking trails and first-class ski resorts. At the base of an old volcano on a sloping site lies Lookout House; a contemporary holiday house with inimitable views designed by Californian architecture practice Faulkner Architects. The aptly-named home challenges the stereotype of traditional Truckee log houses and ski cabins through large openings and a robust material palette.
The large kitchen also features a butler’s pantry and neighbouring wine cellar.
The Groundpiece Modular Sofa by Antonio Citterio for Flexform in the living room.
est recently caught up with Faulkner Architects director Greg Faulkner, learning how the Californian landscape informs all of their projects. As we saw in their Creek House project – also located near an extinct volcano in Truckee – Faulkner Architects place careful emphasis on the structure of the home, drawing from the materials on site and ensuring it connects to the landscape it inhabits.
Insulated concrete walls made from local sand respond to the Californian climate and ongoing threat of Californian wildfires; a material that is both fire-resistant and low maintenance. Inside, linear timber ceiling panels across the pitched ceiling are a nod to the typical ski cabin’s interiors. Full-height glazed openings in various rooms throughout open up to individual terraces, giving the holiday home its name.
The Mantis Floor Lamp by DCW Editions and Metropolitan Armchair by Jeffrey Barnett for B&B Italia in the living room.
The Neutra Easy Chair by Vincent Van Duysen for Tribu in one of the home’s many lookouts.
Designed for large family holidays, the four-bedroom home is segmented into two parts. The children’s bedrooms, open living space and ski access ramp are located the ground floor, while an entire private floor is dedicated to the parent’s retreat. A pane of red glass in the master bedroom warms the room throughout the day.
Faulkner Architects have created a contemporary holiday escape that redefines the traditional ski cabin. Where functionality and sustainability are the driving force, the Lookout House integrates gently into the vast surrounds.
Referencing the volcanic history of the site, a pane of red glass in the master bedroom represents the colour of magma, featuring the Tufty Bed by Patricia Urquiola for B&B Italia.
A freestanding bath in the master ensuite adds an element of luxury to the holiday home.
