In California’s Napa Valley, a single-story retreat perches above a narrow ledge overlooking rocky terrain. The 19-acre plot of land is part of Amnesia House, a weekend getaway designed by Edmonds + Lee Architects and Garde Hvalsøe. The residence uses high quality materials and bespoke design to emphasize and protect from the surrounding landscape.
Amnesia House is the second project Edmonds + Lee Architects worked on for the clients, the first was their main residence in San Francisco. Like the former, Amnesia sports ample natural light, open floorplans, quiet interiors, and high-quality wood and craftsmanship.
Two parallel gabled structures clad in steel negotiate the sloped site. A glazed vestibule inserted between them acts as a transparent connector. The weathered steel eliminates gaps where wildfire embers could interfere with the residence. The rich material also strengthens the structural form of the home.
A Brise-soleil softens the transition from transparent glass to solid steel. Robert Edmonds, partner at Edmonds + Lee Architects, said in a statement, “The selected model strikes a balance between rustic authenticity and contemporary precision. Its craftsmanship feels true to the agrarian vernacular while maintaining a refined, modern sensibility that complements the architecture’s material language.”
The landscape is well-considered inside too. Windows faced toward the picturesque landscape frames the nature like living wall art. A neutral color and material palette, grounded by terrazzo-ground concrete floors and off-white walls, ensures the outdoors remain the focal point. The house is oriented east and west to take advantage of the pathways of sun to light the residence.
Oak millwork from Garde Hvalsøe acts as a textural shift in the residence. The firm celebrates traditional materials and Danish craftsmanship. Garde Hvalsøe’s oak millwork was used in the living room, closets, private office, and for the custom bunk beds and shelving in some of the bedrooms. Garde Hvalsøe’s solid oak model is incorporated in the kitchen cabinetry. Søren Lundh Aagaard, CEO and partner of Garde Hvalsøe, shared in a statement, “The use of our oak millwork throughout the home creates synergy throughout the property and coexists beautifully with the natural environment in which the property is located.”
All of the furnishings were chosen by the clients, most of which came from the Italian company Flexform. There are a few custom pieces in the home, including the dining and coffee tables designed by Napa-based maker, Studio Roeper and a delicate chandelier made of dandelion seeds by Amsterdam-based duo artist Studio Drift.
The entire design team collaborated with local craftspeople and builders on the weekend residence, further connecting the home to its surroundings. Amnesia House allows idealized memories and the act of being in the present to seamlessly coexist.