Caterpillar House / Feldman Architecture

Caterpillar House / Feldman Architecture - Windows, Door, Facade, BeamCaterpillar House / Feldman Architecture - Image 3 of 17Caterpillar House / Feldman Architecture - ForestCaterpillar House / Feldman Architecture - GardenCaterpillar House / Feldman Architecture - More Images+ 12

Carmel-by-the-Sea, United States

Text description provided by the architects. The design for the Caterpillar House, sited on the softly rolling hills of the Santa Lucia Preserve, sought to accentuate a connection to the land. Having lived in a Cliff May home, the client came to the project with a love of modern ranch houses and looking for an environmentally-conscious response to a beautiful site. The Caterpillar House implements sustainable elements while exploring a contemporary version of the ranch ideals: massing that is low and horizontal, an open plan with a strong connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, and main living areas which center informally on the kitchen.

Caterpillar House / Feldman Architecture - Image 7 of 17
© Joe Fletcher

Connecting literally and figuratively to the site, excavated earth was repurposed for the construction of the walls. These rammed earth walls gently curve in response to the site’s contours and also act as a thermal mass, regulating temperatures from day to night. Capturing rainwater for irrigation, three tanks proudly sit close to the home – a clear sign of the available water resources for landscape. Large south-facing glass doors open the main living area to a large covered contemporary porch and to an outdoor patio with sunshades that expand and contract to allow for a flexible entertaining area that responds to the client’s needs.

floor plan

The glazing, natural ventilation and operable shading also act as a passive heating and cooling system, cooling the house in the summer and warming the house in winter. Integrated photovoltaic panels enable the house to produce all of its energy requirements without compromising the graceful curve of the low roof against the hill. The Caterpillar House is the first Leed Platinum Custom Home of the Central Coast.

Caterpillar House / Feldman Architecture - Table, Windows, Chair, Beam
© Joe Fletcher

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Cite: "Caterpillar House / Feldman Architecture" 09 Mar 2012. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/215099/caterpillar-house-feldman-architecture> ISSN 0719-8884

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