Entry number: COL08006
Project Name: Coleman Peak Residence
Building Type: Single Family Residence
Completion Date: November 2006
Architect: Tusher Architectural Group
Building Location: Coleman Peak Residence, Truckee, CA

Design Team:
Landscape Architect: The Villager Nursery
General Contractor: Kalbaugh Construction
Structural Engineer: Gabbart & Woods
Photographer: Gaunt-Zimmer Design

Narrative/Project Description:
Type of Project: Single Family Residence
Completion Date: November 2006
Type of Construction: Type V - NR
Materials Used: Structure: steel, concrete and wood
Finishes: wood, stone, metal and natural plantings
Building Area: 5,595 SF of heated living space 735 SF of garage and storage

Statement of Design Approach:
Coleman Peak Residence is an approximately 5,700 SF family retreat located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of Northstar, at an elevation of 6,500'. The odd-shaped lot moderately slopes from front to back, opening up to spectacular forest views and mountain vistas. This natural geography lent itself to a two-story structure, nestled into the site and expanding out to the 180-degree views at the back of the lot. The harsh mountain environment demanded protection from the snow, ice and sun, which was accommodated with large overhangs and trellises. With a desire to grow out of the site and be minimally visible from the street, the garage is tucked into the earth, with a green roof that literally grows from the natural grade at the street to the top of the roof. Two other green roofs enhance the connection to the site. Locally sourced granite, cedar siding and curved metal roofs with custom glue-laminated beams blend the home into the natural environment, mimicking the mountains and speaking to the vernacular of the area.

Despite the challenge of location (the lead Architect in Hawaii and the Owner many miles away), and through integral team collaboration, the Project became a huge success. From the beginning, the team's involvement and coordination with each other was crucial. The unique program of a fun, environmentally sensitive, year-round mountain home required unique solutions in form, structure, materials and details.

The direct axis view of Castle Peak, a local landmark, greets you at the entry. As you make your way past the shuttered windows and garden roofs, you come to the circular stone stairway with cantilevered steps up to the private Tower Office, or down to one of two secret bookcase doors leading into the Hidden Room with indoor swimming pool. The Great Room hosts a gourmet Kitchen, Dining, Living and Media areas, with access to outdoor decks and terraces, complete with a garden courtyard and waterfall. The see-thru glass fireplace sits on a continuous interior/exterior concrete hearth, within a wall of "curved" glass, clerestory windows, light soffits and other "floating" elements, all under a single roof with curved wood beams. The Master Bedroom wing and lower level Bedrooms and Play Room continue these concepts of fun, views and cozy spaciousness. With natural daylight and views from every space, the -Coleman Peak Residence truly achieves balance between fun and function, quietly touching the environment.

Sustainable description:
Green Roofs:
Growing out of the earth, starting at natural grade from the street, the Garage becomes almost invisible, hidden below the delightfully planted green roof above.

On either side of the Entry Hall, two more green roofs exist, also planted with native grasses, shrubs and wildflowers.

Natural Daylight:
Each major space in the home has access to natural daylight and views through double-paned, energy efficient glazing. Clerestory windows surround the upper level above the "floating" low roofs. Skylights also further permit natural daylight into the Entry and Hidden Room below.

Sun/Temperature Control:
The large roof overhangs shelter the home from the high hot summer sun, while allowing the lower warm winter sun to penetrate deep into the space. Wooden trellises off the upper decks provide outdoor sun protection.

The use of an in-floor hydronic heating system efficiently keeps the home at a constant temperature, and is specifically zoned for the use of each area of the home. With a call-up system, the home can be at a lower temperature when not in use, saving energy. Where there are stone floors, the mass of this material acts as a heat collector from the winter sun, and helps keep the home cool in the summer, enhancing the efficiency of the hydronic system. Operable windows and ceiling fans allow for natural air circulation.

Materials:
Locally sourced stone was used for both walls and paving. Pavers at the parking court allow for the natural drainage of water and help reduce the heat-island effect by eliminating the use of asphalt. Recycled content Trex decking was used on all outdoor decks. Extensive landscaping again helps in reducing the heat-island effect (with green roofs) and also acts as erosion control, in addition to the natural benefits of living with plants.