The kitchen features clean walnut flat-faced cabinetry and green J’Adore quartzite backsplash against clean white quartz counters, photo by Sinead Hastings

• Objectives: The primary objective of this home—dubbed “The Oasis” by the project team—was to create a “fortress of solitude” where the owners could escape the grind of their daily routine and enjoy the wonders of nature along Donner Creek. The design was intended to be simple but still provide a “wow factor,” which was achieved by maximizing open space, light and views, all while maintaining privacy from neighboring homes.

• Special and Unique Features: The design features a compressed and expansive entry space in the style of Frank Lloyd Wright. When guests walk into the home, the main entryway is separated from the living space by a catwalk, which is a lower ceiling (hence the compression); the space then opens to the two-story living room with giant windows that take in the mountain views and bring in light. A stunning fireplace features a steel vertical accent that spans the entire two stories and harkens back to the old-school Tahoe lodge experience. Other standout features include an asymmetrical live-edge walnut slab countertop in the kitchen, which ties to the upper cabinets and complements the backsplash, and a music studio with views to Donner Peak. 

The front entrance of “The Oasis” features Wyoming split stone, custom-stained cedar siding and contrasting trim and doors, photo by Scott Thompson

• Why it Won an Award: This home strikes a perfect balance between the natural surroundings, thoughtful materials and being mindful of what goes where and how those spaces are used. As the homeowner grew up near Los Angeles and is a “California guy” through and through, interior designer Colette Fonseca says the project team threaded the needle to create this “mountain-home-meets-surfer-culture kind of vibe,” which resulted in a simple yet gorgeous retreat that embraces its natural surroundings.

Merit Award: Mountain Retreat

Building Design: Wittels Engineering

Builder: Mike Porter Construction

Interior Design: Altitude Design Co.

Landscape Design: Wittels Engineering

Square Feet: 3,345