How to Build Custom Homes in High Fire Zones
In California’s breathtaking hillsides and mountain communities, the dream of a custom home comes with unique challenges. As wildfire seasons grow longer and more intense, homeowners in high-risk areas are reimagining what it means to build not just beautifully, but safely. Today, we’re showcasing an exceptional fire rebuild project that demonstrates how thoughtful design and specialized construction can create a home that’s both stunning and resilient.
The Lamonette Residence is inspired by the elegant Hamptons Style commonly found on the New England coast. It seamlessly combines traditional East Coast charm with a contemporary space plan. Our clients came to us with big dreams for their home. They partnered with a premier design/build firm like ours to create something beautiful. The result is a sanctuary harmonizing with its natural surroundings while incorporating state-of-the-art fire resistance features. As a result, The Lamonette Residence became a passion project for our team. We began by exploring the unique topography and orientation of the land they hoped to build it on to maximize the views of their beautiful surroundings.
The exterior of the home followed a traditional Shingle-Style aesthetic with stone shingles and lovely wood detailing. However, because we were building in a high fire zone, fiber cement shingles and trim that were characteristic of the style but made of inflammable materials were used for extra precaution. A combination of gable and shed dormer vents provides adequate ventilation of the attic while complementing the design of the façade. And in the evenings, the gorgeous burnished bronze wall-mounted light fixtures and pathway lights beautifully illuminate the home.
The Entry
Similarly, the striking elegance of the exterior continues inside. As you enter the foyer, you are surrounded by gorgeous natural light. This pours in from the stained glass paneling and leaded glass sidelights of the large front doors. Additionally, the crisp white interior and dark hand-scraped walnut wood floors beckon you into the space.
The Living Room
Around the corner is the living room. This beautiful space opens up to the kitchen and dining room providing our clients plenty of space to entertain. The style of the room really drives home Hampton’s aesthetic with crisp whites, deep blues, and dark wood floors. Despite the breadth of the space, the living room still feels cozy.
Large windows along the back of the home are adorned with elegant wood detailing. The intricate tray ceilings add drama and balance to the rest of the wood detailing. Additionally, a bronze pendant fixture hangs overhead to add an opulent flare to the space.
The Kitchen
The kitchen continues the trend of gorgeous crisp white tray ceilings and walnut floors. Further enriching the Hamptons aesthetic are satin nickel faucets, a glossy ceramic tile backsplash from Pratt & Larson, and a polished granite countertop from Marbolis. The space features all the state-of-the-art appliances our clients could ever need: a built-in Thermador fridge, freezer, double wall oven, dishwasher, and a KitchenAid built-in microwave. These all seamlessly integrate into the birch and alder cabinetry, leaving ample space to cook and converse as a family.
The design also carved out space under the counters for a wine cooler and ice maker. Finally, the lovely kitchen island catches the eye thanks to the glossy historic nickel light pendant overhead.
Moving into the west wing of the home, the laundry room offers ample storage space. With crisp white birch and alder cabinetry, this further creates a breezy and serene atmosphere. The porcelain tile flooring pair beautifully with the calcite backsplash and countertops
The Primary Suite
Down the hall, beautifully crafted molding and natural light from large aluminum-clad windows guide you toward the primary bedroom. Similarly, the primary suite continues the white wainscot and tray ceilings of the open living space and the Hampton-themed color scheme across its décor.
From concept to construction, the breathtaking primary bathroom is as vibrant in person as it is on the page. In fact, the cream marble tile flooring features intricate details with an octagonal mosaic layout. The white granite countertops and backsplash tile from CV Tile add a beautiful contrast to the lustrous walnut cabinetry. The primary suite is equipped with custom medicine cabinets, dual sinks, vintage oval vanity mirrors, and a brushed nickel shaving mirror. In summary, the space provides top-of-the-line tools and accessories for all of our clients’ needs.
Similarly, the sleek shower, cast iron pedestal tub, custom rose shower head, and his-and-hers closets provide ample storage and luxury.
The Guest Suite
Additionally, the upstairs was designed to create a loft for family, friends, and visitors. The two guest bedrooms share ornate décor, walnut floors, and light-filled spaces. The guest bathroom mirrors the aesthetic choices of the primary bath.
Collector’s Garage & Workshop
Attached to the east end of the home is the real star of the show: the collector’s garage and workshop. As an avid car collector and talented machinist, our client wanted a workspace to facilitate his passion for restoring cars and fabricating parts utilizing state-of-the-art equipment. In addition, several choice curios, models, and vintage signs give the shop its distinct personality. In fact, between the main workshop and garage sits a display area for the housing of car and engine-themed miniature collectibles. Meanwhile, in the main collector’s garage, a hydraulic car lift works for function and helps display the vast life-sized collection of classics and hot rods.
Finally, our clients can always lounge out under the covered patio area in their backyard and enjoy the outdoors, no matter the weather, thanks to the granite B-Vent fireplace from Mason-Lite and Edgewood fan from Fanimation.
As a result, the Lamonette Residence creatively combines our clients’ varied aesthetic tastes, their unique hobbies and passions, and their desire for an open and practical design into a truly custom product. The home is a testament to the amazing possibilities that lie in bringing a vision to life from the ground up.
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