Owl House

Owl House

Planted into a grassy bowl, lived an old bay tree among serpentine outcroppings, a grove of blue oak and a new 1,879 square foot house. Lambs and kids romp in the meadow each spring. Hawks and turkey vultures circle at eye level. The orientation, curated floor elevation, tilt and alignment were not only informed by the natural contours, sun, wind and views, but by the historic Olompali fence line where remnants still stand. When the site spoke, it said, “We all grow out of the grasslands here.” Out of respect, the enclosed house doesn’t cross the Olompali line but follows it, creating an angled slice at the end of a box.