Napa Retreat | Napa, California
The Napa Retreat is a project to replace and improve upon a home that was built by the client’s parents in 1978. The home and a second dwelling were destroyed in the Atlas Peak Fire on October 8, 2017 in Napa County, California.
The client (a childhood friend of ALTUS’ founder, Tim Alt, and her husband) contacted ALTUS to recreate and improve upon the design of the family retreat for the second and third generations of the family.
The new 3,400 s. f. primary home was located in the same place as the original home, but was designed to have a more open design and optimize the natural light and views of the adjacent Silverado Golf Course -- and the grounds of the property that included an existing swimming pool, fireplace and tennis court.
The design focused on a central kitchen that is the hub of activity, viewing the sunken living room, dining room and outdoor activity spaces. The house also includes four bedroom suites (two primary suites on the main level and two guest suites on the upper level), all with views of the golf course and surrounding grounds.
The dynamic 1,200 s.f. Second Dwelling “Shed” creates a dramatic counterpoint to the main house over the original utilitarian lanai building. The Shed provides a unifying backdrop for the pool and terrace, as well as the tennis court. This dwelling includes a living space with a kitchenette and two bedroom suites for family and guests. The pergola creates an outdoor room to view the pool activity and golf course beyond.
Completion Date: 2020
Size:
Main House: 3,400 s.f.
Secondary Dwelling: 1,200 s.f.
Design Team:
ALTUS Architecture + Design
Studio ARG
Architect of Record:
Robert Fukuda Architect, Oakland, CA
Consultants:
Structural Engineering: Core 4 Engineering
Geotechnical Engineer: RGH Consultants
Energy Consultant: Gabel Engineering
Surveyor: St. John Land Consulting
General Contractor:
Bayview Builders, Inc., Oakland, CA
Photography:
ALTUS Architecture + Design
After the Atlas Peak Fire in 2017 local services and building suppliers were in high demand, resulting in high prices and delays. ALTUS Architecture + Design is based in Minnesota and has strategic partnerships with California architectural firms for California-specific regulations. ALTUS can leverage volume relationships with Midwest product suppliers. As an example, for this fire rebuild project the homeowner paid less than local distributors' cost for the same high-quality windows.
ALTUS works with the owner to create their specific project narrative, wants and desires. The owner works directly with an experienced team and does not get handed off to a new junior hire.
California has tough insulation requirements. Unlike some regulations, these won't be relaxed. Because of extreme temperatures in the Midwest, ALTUS has always designed homes that are well-insulated, even when the project has many windows.
Local government will expedite permit approvals for post-fire rebuild projects, but they still require the personal attention of an architect with government officials. The volume of LA architectural needs would not impact ALTUS.
Drawings and construction documentation typically includes comprehensive specifications for all materials and products and systems to meet California’s fire-rating requirements and regulations. Included would be exterior siding, windows, roofing, interior finishes, cabinetry and product selection details (specific lights, hardware, paint colors, finishes) that can dramatically reduce homeowner decisions and stress, confirm pricing and assuring client preferences.
ALTUS will review builder pricing with their local architect partners to ensure pricing and product integrity, to confirm the owner is paying for appropriate value, rather than inflated costs after the fire.