Off-Grid Guest House in Californian residence, Modern CA architecture images, Contemporary American property design

Off-Grid Guest House California

New Rural Californian Real Estate in USA by Anacapa and Willson Design

post updated March 16, 2024

Location: California, United States of America

Design: Anacapa and Willson Design

Off-Grid Guest House

Located on one of the last remaining undeveloped coastal areas in California, this modern guest house resides on a wildlife preserve; exemplifying a successful balance of residential development and ecological preservation.

Oct 7, 2018

Off-Grid Guest House – California Home

Nestled into a steep hillside, the residence was designed with low visual and environmental impact on the surrounding landscape. Disguised by a low profile and green roof, the home itself invites sweeping (nearly 360 degree) views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding rolling hills, through a generous amount of sliding glass and expansive decks, which cantilever over the foundation’s steep rock face.

A high level of sensitivity to environmental impacts was exercised throughout all phases of design and construction. Architect Dan Weber of Anacapa and designer Steve Willson of Willson Design, employed green building practices, resulting in sustainable systems and material selection.

The guest house, as well as the owner’s nearby main residence, are completely off-grid out of necessity, there is no electricity available in this remote area. The home is 100% powered by a photovoltaic energy system. LED lighting and low-usage appliances were selected to reduce energy demands and usage.

The home has a private well and water treatment system; wastewater is directed to a septic tank and dry well. A combination of radiant floor heating, cross ventilation from the abundance of operable sliding glass, and an insulating green roof are used to regulate interior temperatures. A green roof helps the home blend into its landscape, while conserving water.

The house is elemental, made of materials that integrate seamlessly with the landscape and that will weather and patina naturally over time. A simple material palette of steel, concrete and glass were selected, while rich walnut accents and custom fixtures and furnishings by Jessica Helgerson Interior Design add warmth and character to the space.

The design includes a detached garage, which is also discretely built into the hillside.

The owners take solace in this space as an invitation to appreciate the natural beauty of this profoundly unique location, gathering loved ones for meals, sunsets, and long leisurely weekends riding horses, surfing and sitting beneath the stars.

Off-Grid Guest House, California – Building Information

Design: Dan Weber of Anacapa and Steve Willson of Willson Design

Interiors and furnishings: Jessica Helgerson Interior Design

Photographer: Erin Feinblatt

Off-Grid Guest House in California images / information received 071018 from Anacapa and Willson Design USA

Location: Gorda, California, United States of America

Californian Houses

American house designs:

Bronwood Home Remodel, Los Angeles, Southern California
Architecture: Blue Truck Studio

photo : Gregg Segal
Bronwood Home Remodel

Powerball Winner Mansion, Bel Air, Los Angeles, Southern California
Architect: Alex Kadavi

photo courtesy of Joe Bryant
Powerball Winner Mansion in Bel Air