View of modern farmhouse entry elevation.
View of modern farmhouse pool elevation.
View of modern farmhouse interior courtyard with solar thermal water heating.
View of modern farmhouse in landscape.
View from herb garden down to protected exterior eating area.
Terraced rear protected outdoor eating area.
View toward kitchen and main entry door.
View of cook's kitchen.
View of cook's kitchen with island prep sink.
View from kitchen to living room with clerestory windows.
Living room with clerestory windows and light shelf.
Sunshade and porch trellis protect glass from solar heat gain.

Arroyo Grande Farmhouse

New Residence
Arroyo Grande, California

AIA CCC Citation Award

Our clients asked us to design their retirement home in the rolling hills near California’s central coast. They desired a contemporary farmhouse relating to the vernacular agricultural buildings of the area, yet in a style that would locate indoor/outdoor living spaces primarily on one floor. Low-maintenance and fire-resistant materials, solar water heating and photovoltaics, trellises, sunshades and plantings to control heat gain and loss contribute to a sustainable and healthy home.

Project Team

General Contractor: Semmes & Co. Builders, Inc.
Landscape Architect: Christopher Manning CM-Design
Structural Engineer: Craig A. Dobbs, P.E.
Civil Engineer: Erik J. Gobler, P.E.
Photographers: © Elliott Johnson, © Neil Donaldson