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Pro Spotlight: 3 Ways to Ensure Your New Home Suits Your Site
A Tahoe-area architect shares how to create an incredible home that complements your land
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Who: Nick Sonder of Nicholas Sonder Architect
Where: Truckee, California
In his own words: “The most exceptional designs are those that respond to the site.”
The design of your home is important, but where you’re building it plays an equally key role in the final look and feel. “Your site is the most important aspect of your design concept,” architect Nick Sonder says. He says that a lot’s orientation, views and slope will all affect how the elements within the home relate to what’s outside.
Where: Truckee, California
In his own words: “The most exceptional designs are those that respond to the site.”
The design of your home is important, but where you’re building it plays an equally key role in the final look and feel. “Your site is the most important aspect of your design concept,” architect Nick Sonder says. He says that a lot’s orientation, views and slope will all affect how the elements within the home relate to what’s outside.
Realizing a dream. Sonder has been interested in art and architecture since childhood. After graduating from the Rhode Island School of Design, he worked in both New England and Tahoe. Sonder moved to the Truckee area in 1995 and started his firm in 2001. “I love creating unique spaces for unique clients,” he says. “Every project is different.”
Evaluating your site. With a home base in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Sonder finds that totally flat building lots are rare. “Even if you think it’s level, it’s probably not,” he says. Any site can be developed, he says, but you should be aware of compromises you might have to make.
Want to make the most of your site? Sonder offers some tips below.
Want to make the most of your site? Sonder offers some tips below.
1. Ask for Advice Upfront
Tap into your architect’s or other designer’s expertise whenever possible before you make a final decision on a site. This pro can evaluate any topographical issues that might affect your wish list before you commit.
Sonder took a look at the seemingly level site seen here, in the Lahontan development, for a client who wanted a patio rather than a deck to look out over the Martis Valley toward Mount Rose. He assured the client it would work, even though the slope actually dropped about 35 feet, and designed a modern take on a split-level house. Shallow level changes in the home and exterior areas create the look and feel of being level while still working with the slope.
See more of this project
Tap into your architect’s or other designer’s expertise whenever possible before you make a final decision on a site. This pro can evaluate any topographical issues that might affect your wish list before you commit.
Sonder took a look at the seemingly level site seen here, in the Lahontan development, for a client who wanted a patio rather than a deck to look out over the Martis Valley toward Mount Rose. He assured the client it would work, even though the slope actually dropped about 35 feet, and designed a modern take on a split-level house. Shallow level changes in the home and exterior areas create the look and feel of being level while still working with the slope.
See more of this project
2. Accommodate the Site
Explore all your options. “You want the best combination of slope, view and exposure,” Sonder says. A homeowner in Martis Camp requested a home that would feel like it had always been on the site, even with the challenges of multiple slopes and several large trees. “I wanted to keep the trees to add to the sense of permanence,” Sonder says.
The design incorporates the elevation changes and preserves most of the trees. It even includes an interior bridge to the master bedroom to avoid disturbing the root ball of one particularly large pine tree next to the house. The outdoor patio gently meanders along the hillside with thoughtfully placed stairs, providing easy access to areas for relaxing, dining, practicing putting and enjoying a tucked-away spa.
See more of this project
Explore all your options. “You want the best combination of slope, view and exposure,” Sonder says. A homeowner in Martis Camp requested a home that would feel like it had always been on the site, even with the challenges of multiple slopes and several large trees. “I wanted to keep the trees to add to the sense of permanence,” Sonder says.
The design incorporates the elevation changes and preserves most of the trees. It even includes an interior bridge to the master bedroom to avoid disturbing the root ball of one particularly large pine tree next to the house. The outdoor patio gently meanders along the hillside with thoughtfully placed stairs, providing easy access to areas for relaxing, dining, practicing putting and enjoying a tucked-away spa.
See more of this project
3. Think Long Term
Consider how you will age with the home. “Think about choosing a single-level design or adding an elevator,” Sonder says.
Another home in Martis Camp was planned as a long-term family getaway. Because the site borders on open space and other houses, Sonder tucked the residence back into the trees for privacy. He then placed the primary living areas, a master suite and a guest room on the main level for easy access whether or not mobility issues arise. Outside, large patios linked by low, wide stairs with discreet railings also provide long-term accessibility.
See more of this project
More: For more information on Nick Sonder and examples of his work, visit Nicholas Sonder Architect’s Houzz profile.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
Consider how you will age with the home. “Think about choosing a single-level design or adding an elevator,” Sonder says.
Another home in Martis Camp was planned as a long-term family getaway. Because the site borders on open space and other houses, Sonder tucked the residence back into the trees for privacy. He then placed the primary living areas, a master suite and a guest room on the main level for easy access whether or not mobility issues arise. Outside, large patios linked by low, wide stairs with discreet railings also provide long-term accessibility.
See more of this project
More: For more information on Nick Sonder and examples of his work, visit Nicholas Sonder Architect’s Houzz profile.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
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Review by Jay Prigge:
I would recommend Nick to anyone that wants to work with a Top-Notch Architect. Nicks education and passion for his craft are apparent upon meeting him. His Architectural Process is leading the way i...More