Franz Valley

A hillside compound in the mountains north of Santa Rosa. The site offers oak woodlands, long views, and the challenge of building something both bold and rooted.

The residence centers on a geodesic dome—a double-height volume that anchors the plan. Wings extend from this center, clad in standing seam zinc and vertical Equitone in a saturated yellow-orange. The color is intentional: visible against the green hills, warm in morning light, particular to this place.

Inside the dome, a custom spiral stair in perforated steel connects the main level to a suspended loft. Rhombus-patterned oak floors and terrazzo tiles, plywood millwork, and board-formed elements give the interiors texture and warmth. The kitchen centers on an AGA range; windows frame the pine forest beyond. Ultra-thick walls house pocketed interior shades and exterior metal roll-down shutters—part of the high performance standards.

Exterior spaces step down the slope—terraces, a natural pool, paths of cast concrete set into native grasses. Drought-tolerant planting reflects the climate. Rainwater recovery, solar energy, and battery storage.