When Mary Jo and Mike Macfarlane found an 80-acre tract in the Sierra foothills, they say it was like coming home. And they decided to build a home that’s self-contained and hard to describe. Situated on a knoll, the structure is pie-shaped and partially underground. Architect Don Grover calls it a concrete cave that pops from the earth with windows to capture the scenery.
The exterior shape and color also mimics the geological rock formations around the property. Builder Dan Stevenson says about every material imaginable was used in this project. The main space is a free-formed shell composed of concrete floors and walls, arched steel frames that are left exposed and ferroconcrete. Stevenson used elastic caulking and waterproofing membranes to protect the shell from moisture.
The interior is anything but cold. Students of Feng Shui, the Macfarlanes and Stevenson designed an entry staircase that wraps around a 30-foot waterfall with a reflective pool below. Wood, glass, tile and metal were used to create shapes and textures. Other features include a fireplace of native quartz, bathrooms decorated with mosaics and showers with great views, plus a secret wine room.
Guests Don Grover
Architect, Grover Architectural Group
171 N. Washington
Sonora, CA 95370
Phone: 209-533-2264
Website:
www.groverarch.comDan Stevenson
Builder, Daniel M. Stevenson Co., Inc.
PO Box 1410
Murphys, CA 95297
Phone: 209-795-6100
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