Three Leaf

Architect: Sage Architecture

Builder: Jim Glauz Construction

Location: Amador County

Project Description:

Set in a vineyard in the rolling terrain of Amador County, this 1,500 SF home is broken up into 3 distinct modules each capped with a curved glue-laminated beam roof. The central unit houses the gathering space with kitchen, living and dining. An open air breezeway connects this space to the more private master module with a three-season screened-in terrace. The third module is separated from the central space to allow overnight guests space in their own realm. All three structures are united by shared outdoor courtyard spaces for dining, lounging, and drinking in the idyllic views of the surrounding vineyard.

On the Three Leaf House, Sage Architecture used careful thought in positioning the structures both relative to one another, the arc of the sun, the view, and the air flow on the site. The roof overhang is calibrated specifically to shade the building’s large expanses of glass from the hot summer sun, and each structure in turn shades the next.

The only mechanical system installed for the home is hydronic radiant flooring to warm the polished concrete slab. Recycled redwood was used to clad the breezeway walls and create large barn door sliders to divide interior spaces. The curving roofs are clad with a metal “cool” roof, and heavily insulated beneath. The combination of good passive solar design and energy efficient technologies resulted in a house that exceeds state energy requirements by over 30%.

Photography: Dave Adams Photography