Downtempo is a stunning weekend residence located in Calistoga, California, designed in 2020 by Signum Architecture.

Description
Set in the Mayacamas Mountains between Sonoma and Napa, the site for this weekend home is just 10 minutes from downtown Calistoga, but it seems much further removed. The owners envisioned a retreat where they could build lasting memories with their children, entertain friends and enjoy the wine country?s slower pace. Our intent for the project was to capitalize upon the unique nature of the site and views, while respecting the character of the land. Within this sensitive terrain, sustainability and fire resistance were key drivers for the design.
Our involvement with the project began early. Familiar with the valley and the site from regular bike-riding excursions in the area, we walked the site with our client before the purchase was complete. Though the parcel of land is much larger, the building site was constrained by a pre-existing building envelope, stands of manzanitas and dense woodlands. Comprising two small knolls with a gentle swale in between, the building site backs up to the woodlands, with a creek running below and sweeping views in multiple directions. In one direction lay views down the valley, in the other lay views of Pepperwood Preserve, a 3,000-acre nature preserve that includes the headwaters of three creeks that feed into the nearby Russian River.
In order to build sustainably, we designed the home usin...