Architecture Inspiration: Modernism meets naturalism in this stunning red cedar home

The Oak Knoll Residence Project

Tucked in California’s Napa Valley, the Oak Knoll Residence offers incredible inspiration for any architect looking to build an eco-friendly home.

Modernist architect Brandon Jørgensen designed the home with the natural landscape in mind, including many touches of Western red cedar and locally quarried stone to a create warm, natural feeling.

Inspired by the homeowner’s love of Asian architecture, the house was designed to be both functional and personal, expansive yet intimate. From the red cedar door to the thick stone exterior walls, every inch of this gorgeous home creates a sense of calm, an oasis in the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Large sliding glass doors create the impression of space, while the sweeping proportions of the house exude an effortless grace and tranquility. These doors join the master bedroom and living rooms to the wide terraces and gardens.

Glazed partitions blur the distinction between indoor and outdoor, seamlessly connecting the interior to gardens and patios, including a pool with mesmerising views of the vineyards, valley and mountains.

Jørgensen’s use of red cedar and stone create a deliberate dichotomy of permanence and impermanence, cheekily distinguishing the stone main house from the cedar-panelled guest wing. The stone comes from the same quarry that supplied many old buildings throughout the valley, which when combined with the cedar makes this breathtaking home feel both historic and modern.

The outdoor wall panels, made from a mix of locally quarried stone and red cedar, were chosen to blend into the building’s natural vineyard setting. A separate cedar-clad building contained the garage and guest bedrooms, creating peaceful separation between personal living and entertainment.

Jørgensen designed the roof with an internal support structure to make it appear lighter, giving the home a natural and airy grace.

Cedar Sales: Supplier of Premium Red Cedar

At Cedar Sales, we have built a strong reputation for quality products. For over thirty years, Cedar Sales have supplied high quality Western Red Cedar to construct many beautiful and innovative homes, supplying everything from cladding and joinery to exterior wall panels. Cedar Sales’ championing of Western Red Cedar is a testament to our commitment to eco-friendly design solutions. All of our cedar is PEFC, GreenTag and FSC® Chain of Custody certified, and guaranteed to come from only sustainable and renewable sources.

To find out more, read our Complete Guide to Western Red Cedar or contact our team today.