An Architect's Vision

An Architect's Vision 
Nestled in the serene hills above Mill Valley, this award-winning architectural masterpiece blends history, nature, and sustainability. Designed by celebrated architect Ivan Poutiatine of Agora Architects and Planners, this redwood and glass sanctuary tells a story that spans both time and place. For 50 years, the redwood that now forms the home's exterior and interior was part of an aqueduct system, carrying life-giving water from the Sierras to San Francisco. Today, that very lumber stands as a testament to the harmonious marriage of reclaimed materials and visionary design.

The home’s exterior showcases the original 1x6 redwood boards, their weathered patina acquired through decades of exposure, now providing a soft and textural facade that seamlessly integrates with the natural surroundings. Inside the home, the same redwood has been remilled into sleek tongue-and-groove paneling, its resawn surface finished with a clear, flat sealer that preserves the wood's rich hue and character. Above the fireplace, the un-milled redwood adds a raw, organic texture, evoking the sense of an atrium as if the space itself is an extension of the outdoors. Crafted to feel expansive and interconnected, the use of minimal doors foster a seamless visual flow. From the built-in redwood bookcases to the expansive glass windows framing views of the forested hills, this home evokes a sense of tranquility and timelessness. 

Every detail of this home is a tribute to the architect’s ethos of sustainability and reverence for the natural world, with Douglas fir beams adding both strength and warmth. In Poutiatine’s own words, "The use of redwood not only satisfies a preference for natural materials but preserves a page of San Francisco's history, reminding us that the water we drink flows from the mountain wilderness across the great Central Valley."
This Mill Valley home is more than a dwelling—it’s a living, breathing piece of California's past and a sustainable vision for the future.