Architect Designs An Off-Grid Super House In The Hills of The Californian Coast (House Tour)

Remote and wild, Off-Grid Residence is an off-grid super house that serves to elevate the ecology of the verdant California ranch it inhabits. Anacapa Architecture honours the home’s ruralness by bringing the sensitively designed dwelling into equilibrium with the landscape, embracing the elements and creating an intimate connection between the inhabitants and the land.
Perched atop a knoll situated inside a historic working cattle ranch on the central California coastline, the off-grid super house is the work of Santa Barbara-based studio Anacapa Architecture and co-designer Willson Design. The site is vast and has sweeping vistas of the ocean and rolling hills, and the home sits along a steep ridge, which divides the twin volumes of the garage and the sleeping quarters.
Due to building constraints associated with the historical site, the dwelling is fairly simple, with all living areas contained in one main structure with a basic cooking facility and just one bedroom and one bathroom. There are two gardens atop both roof structures of the off-grid super house that include a mix of local grasses and succulents that are consistent with the greenery of the hillsides beyond.
The architecture of the off-grid super house was inspired by the vernacular of the architecture found on the cattle ranch. The structure references the concrete of train trestles along the Californian coast and the rusting steel on the gates of the ranch. The material palette holds a similar ruggedness - steel, concrete and glass were the primary materials of choice, mainly for their ability to weather gracefully and earn a gentle patina.
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the off-grid super house is the fact it is eco-friendly - a photovoltaic system was introduced to generate power, as was a water treatment system to direct wastewater to a septic tank and dry well. In this vein, sustainability is a key feature of the home. Radiant floor heating ensures warmth and cross ventilation, and the insulating green roof ensures clement interior temperatures.
Revealing a highly sensitive ethos and a unique ability to be at one with nature, Off-Grid Residence allows occupants to feel as if they’re participating with the landscape in a way beyond mere observance, offering a visceral, tangible experience of living.
00:00 - Introduction to the Off-Grid Super House
01:06 - A Narrow Ridge Location
01:18 - On Approach to the House
01:44 - The Rooftop Gardens
02:17 - A Walkthrough the Off-Grid Home
02:30 - The Design and Building Constraints
03:38 - A Completely Off-Grid House
04:28 - The Interior Material Palette
04:53 - Immersion in the Environment
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Photography by Mike Kelley.
Architecture by Anacapa Architecture and Wilson Design
Interior Design by Jessica Helgerson Interior Design
Filmed and Edited by The Local Project.
Production by The Local Project.
Location: Gaviota, California, USA
The Local Project acknowledges the traditional territories and homelands of the Indigenous peoples in the United States. We recognise the importance of Indigenous peoples in the identity of our respective countries and continuing connections to Country and community. We pay our respect to Elders, past and present and extend that respect to all Indigenous people of these lands.
#SuperHouse #Architect #HouseTour
Musicbed Sync ID: MB01TDH8XMPKXBO

[@TheLocalProject]

We hope you enjoyed exploring the stunning Off-Grid House by Anacapa Architecture in the heart of California’s verdant ranch lands. Anacapa Architecture’s commitment to harmonising this super house with its natural surroundings is truly awe-inspiring. Off-Grid House was recently featured on the cover of Issue No. 12 of our Print Publication, which is available to purchase through our website - thelocalproject.com.au/publication/issue-12/

[@Tyler-qk5eg]

Something I love to do (as an architect) is listen to how other Architects describe their projects. Key example: instead of saying, When you get to the end of the house you get to look at the valley below. The Architect: At the terminus of the building, you get a chance to participate with the surroundings...… New word for today... Terminus

[@shunin88]

I love his use of 'compression'.

[@1lllllllll1]

i want them to say "at the end of the narrow prison yard wall you go through a healthcare ward with louvered fabrication windows. The recycled scrap yard soffets on the roof are covered with weeds but i still charged the client $780/sft

[@shunin88]

@@1lllllllll1 🤣

[@tommoncrieff1154]

I know, the language is hilariously pretentious. Walnut has ‘grain expression’. Etc.

[@RunaroundAtNight]

@@1lllllllll1 that's "mainly for their ability to weather gracefully and earn a gentle patina"

[@runnerphile1997]

This gentleman is very well versed in his profession and has optimally created this gem of a home... Thank you for sharing

[@adilsonjoaomartins5949]

Concordo plenamente 👏🏽👏🏼👏🏽👏🏼👏🏽👏🏼... Very good!!!!

[@kayelyward8714]

Beautiful home. . . I love how the home is nestled into the mountain. It's very much a part of the landscape. The views are spectacular! Love that it's off-grid. Love the use of sun shading. The materials used for home are beautiful as well. Really lovely and such a haven.

[@tlockerk]

I always hear my great-grandmothers voice in my head...."I'd sure hate to have to wash all those windows. Beautiful place!!

[@FalloutConspiracy]

What a location! They really built something special with this. The construction doesn't impinge on the natural environment that surrounds it; rather, it incorporates it into the design. The living roof is the chef's kiss. Very elegant yet restrained. The design allows nature to effortlessly imbue the architecture with a kind pastoral modernism.

[@Sharkbait_Soybomb]

This is one of my favorite places on the planet. If I had the money this is where I would build my house. This place is just gorgeous. Well done!

[@adilsonjoaomartins5949]

Sem palavras... emocionado e emocionante ver uma casa tão bem pensada e executada em todos os detalhes. Simplesmente maravilhosa !!!! 👏🏼👏🏽👏🏾👏🏼👏🏽👏🏾🥰🙌🏼👍🏽

[@rh_697]

driving highway 1 is one of the greatest pleasures about living in California. eventually, there is nothing around you except a beautiful coast and lush hills. this house embodies everything that people cherish about this area

[@donnaoz5502]

I live deep in nature and off grid and want to congratulate all involved for such a wonderfully designed and considered structures.

[@sunguruysal3258]

As an architect, I think this building is perfect. In a time when it is so difficult to be alone and to be peaceful, a building that can meet its own needs has always been wonderful for me. Such buildings should be protected and their number should be increased. Dan Weber has done an excellent job.

[@adrians.7489]

As a luxury villa developer I truly appreciate the awesomeness of this off grid project. Perfection!

[@dear_darling]

one of the best projects I've seen in 2023! Love it

[@rodrigocoutinho3486]

What can I say about a project like this! there are no words! just the feeling of being amazed! congratulations

[@300rivers4]

Magnificient. I LOVE what you've created.

[@millaJ]

This reminded me of the Robbie walker projects. This house is so beautiful.

[@jotmui]

Stunning yet provocatively warm, simple, well designed and gutsy. Thumbs up.

[@user-ww4vu2qq7z]

Доброе утро.спасибо вам за прекрасные видео.давно вас смотрю❤

[@andrewramos5619]

i grew up near there. about 30 minutes away. very cool to see it on youtube

[@theupstudioarchitecture]

EVERYTHING about this home is a dream!!

[@canadude6401]

I can only imagine this to be a very quiet, isolated, ESCAPE from the modern world. A quiet that almost nobody gets to experience. I think one week here would provide some amazing healing to anyone going through a crisis or simply needing to truly get away. I can imagine this to be a great place to write. That spectacular view would be difficult to say goodbye to though.

[@levik12]

Wow, the place, the view and the words used to describe the house and the environment that inspired this one of a kind project. Absolutely breathtaking! Thanks.😊🙏

[@adityawagh7617]

love the location and how the architect has dealt with it, really good.

[@allisondriver5257]

A magnificent building to compliment the breathtaking lanscape that it's in

[@brontec9769]

wow this is absolutely beautiful and an an example of how architecture should be done - speaking with and to the land, off grid. I think a lot of projects could look to houses like these that have a much smaller environmental impact yet are high quality and luxurious. Well done!

[@argentinemaniac]

beautiful home and landscape. the unique quality of the home is the off grid aspect and this was only superficially addressed in this video. Would love to have learned a bit more on the off grid approach.

[@jamesdixon3781]

Masterclass in restrained design with the site ( and building restrictions ) informing the build. Treads gently on the land with materials that sit well together. Awesome project & what a view ! Lucky owners :)

[@gyorgyangelkottbocz9766]

a seriously beautiful and well designed architectural gem. as a practicing architect myself -with a similar design approach to architecture- I find both the actual building, the environment and landscaping, the narrative and the film-presentation extremely inspirational. thank you ;-)

[@juancarloshernandeztorres3151]

Truly remarkable. Stunning!!! One of the Best I've seen here. I loved it.❤❤❤

[@andriancerlat5745]

Impresionant place, house, and architect. This is the top

[@Houseds]

The house is so impressive with beautiful natural scenery. Exquisite architecture friendly to the environment.

[@yegfreethinker]

Modern done right! Love it! Wish I had the money for something as lovely as that

[@william_at]

Love the rooftop greenery with xerophilic plants, a very natural air conditioned

[@adilsonjoaomartins5949]

Eu idem.... 👍🏽👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽✌️

[@clubsobri]

Great view of Mount Tamalpais!

[@utubewatcher360]

Amazing, we more of this in California. What a beautiful concept and location

[@catface101]

30-45 mins away from a store is "remote" for America? Wild!

[@300rivers4]

Remote for THAT part of California. There are many parts of america where you can't see anything all the way to the horizon. Nothing but earth and sky. Come visit sometime.

[@zimmejoc]

@@300rivers4I love the Great Plains and it’s vast nothingness. It took me a long time to appreciate them though.

[@sparksmcgee6641]

Look at Nevada and more beautiful is southern Utah. Wyoming Montana, Idaho, New Mexico, Eastern Texas and finally the ultimate Alaska. Check out the Casare hiway in B.C.

[@exec.producer2566]

@@sparksmcgee6641Keep Utah a secret. Everyone who’s been there knows it’s the prettiest state. Planning on building there as soon as I leave NYC and am ready to start a family.

[@robertrusso877]

Beautiful, well thought out home home, but it’s funny to me at the beginning he says how the land is so beautiful and pristine and they didn’t want to mess that up, and yet they put a house on it.😮 They did do a great job of making it blend in with the land, though.

[@brontec9769]

agreed -there is a conflict of interest here - but they have done it just magnificently

[@RunaroundAtNight]

I found that ironic too.

[@tracymokgopo]

beautiful ranch house

[@Svetlana_Goldy]

потрясающее красивое место для дома это просто бесподобно !!!

[@keremjdb]

What a beautiful idea turned into reality. What an amazing video that was.

[@cast-awaken]

that was the most beautiful project and site ever seen before

[@jayluvonde9551]

What a beautiful home! Complements rather than compete with nature.

[@aakritstudio14]

Raw look.. Stunning

[@lenintovar923]

Emocionante, inspirador este proyecto.

[@voltrk4707]

Fantastic design and a breath taking setting

[@kimim2702]

Absolutely gorgeous!!

[@_otuht]

We don’t know how these people are living their lives…let’s appreciate what we have and strive for more!

[@rulistening7777]

This home is of the Frank Lloyd Wright calibur., and reminds me of my all time favorite Falling Waters home. My childhood dream home. And now....... This.

[@volodymyrmelnichuk2353]

It was so great to watch this video

[@colorPro72]

Удалённый,автономный дом это мечта просто,а этот красивый пейзаж просто невообразимый но реальный,как никогда

[@NZkumarasoup]

Amazing place, beautiful and restful. If the external walkway from the garage between the two buildings lined up with the center of the valley, it would have been epic also 👍🏼.

[@umah.]

The ultimate Bond villain house.

[@canadude6401]

with parking for the latest Aston Martin and an easy escape via glider

[@tommoncrieff1154]

It’s way too small for a Bond villain, it has no helipad or space rocket launcher and the mountain doesn’t open up to reveal an underground complex employing 5,000 lobotomised serfs. But the main thing missing is a fluffy white cat with piercing blue eyes.

[@kingarchnyc]

Probably not bombproof 😂

[@castanedagus]

Love it. This is his future homes should be built

[@plencioni63]

Spectacular show!

[@nigeltufnel9525]

Perfection. Well done.

[@alinak.9878]

Wow, this is so cool

[@artificialgrassspain30]

Bravo. Beautiful

[@nguyenvantrungvacongsu]

Professional architect ❤❤❤

[@jordangreen3325]

This project is strikingly similar to a project I completed earlier this year! Needless to say, what a fantastic design!

[@kjetilsenNOWAY]

Yeah, me too. Tough my project was a tad better.

[@user-xc6iw2ev1c]

Waoo the single bedroom is king, so nice

[@brettanderson8526]

@2:00 That is how an architect would describe weeds.

[@Hermes_Agoraeus]

Yes, I have a similar Darwinian experience happening in my yard, too. :)

[@sweetgrasshopper]

​@@Hermes_Agoraeus😂😂😅

[@taunaengus4978]

A beautiful house and property, I'd love to spend some time there. I know right where this is, having lived nearby.

[@ytwos1]

It is utterly fantastic. The way my head works I also always have to say something about the most negative standhoudt. With all the thought put in to it, why does a power cord show to the composter toilet. Couldn’t this have been finished with a bit more thought.

[@EricLawtonForbes]

Love it 🙌🏼

[@ModernARQ]

Awesome!

[@rayleighg9235]

This is great for off grid airbnb customers.

[@shunin88]

Matching the cement and steel of nearby trestles & gates...love that. Was there ever a thought of using rammed earth instead of straight cement?

[@Brian-nt1hh]

Beauteous in many ways

[@richardbaoh1952]

Beautiful Home and Secluded. Knowing the US you will Definitely need a security system approaching the house from all angles and from above. Just to be on the safe side, Helipad will help for any Eventualities.

[@user-xv3fd7gg1h]

Очень красиво ❤

[@nooahchannel]

I love it, great.

[@maxwellwellmax878]

Love the location, I have thought about building a house in the northern coast of California, but the budget is beyond me lol.

[@tAkg-bk3qt]

Just a beautiful House to live....

[@TheLocalProject]

It really is!

[@kennythompson9646]

Wow. I could spend summers there.

[@adityawagh7617]

the off-grid system is a great thing

[@kirsty_iso]

I thought this was in New Zealand for aa second, looks so similar !

[@jessiejoseph1093]

Lovely

[@Hermes_Agoraeus]

0:05 - Ah, I wish he mentioned how long to the nearest hospital, too.

[@jorgecardoso3876]

Amazing house and the closest I have seen to what I would like to build myself in a few years. Still I miss one thing: curtains. While during the day I want to enjoy the connection with the outside and the wonderful views in the evening I want to be able to close up in a warm and cosy setting and this is pretty much never addressed in these videos. It is similar when seeing adds selling nice villa's - all the focus is on the potential on a pleasant sunny day while in the end it is in the dark and cold moments (or the extreme warm) that you absolutely need the shelter and confort your house can provide. Last but not least input on energy usage, building costs and strategies on how to minimize them would also be welcomed. I plan to use (positive) angled overhangs as shown in this house to maximise winter sun while blocking the summer sun. And also leave parts of exposed concrete and cover other areas with (self-made) wooden wardrobes, benches etc to minimize plastering costs and facilitate the passage of utilities (electricity, plumbing) which then becomes easier, cheaper and more accessible to install.

[@thomasvarghese6126]

Love you Nature🌅

[@AliseL22]

Absolutely love this channel and seeing all the beautiful/creative homes. One thing I don't understand is why the homeowner, who has gone to so much trouble to be remote would share their location with anyone. Privacy & seclusion seems key and I would be terrified to have trespassers. Perhaps they have private security. I'm guessing the show off factor is more important.

[@canadude6401]

There are many individuals (myself included) that would not think of the privacy and seclusion as a "risk". But more towards it's true escape from the modern world.

[@AliseL22]

I would totally agree with that, especially if you live in a country where you can be armed. I have been living rurally/remotely for 15+ years in Canada and you would be surprised at how many people trespass/steal/camp on your land etc. Times are tough just about everywhere and there are always people looking for opportunity. Sad really, but it is a reality.@@canadude6401

[@ritharchi]

Very interesting

[@nicks8026]

Beautiful. Gotta be on the Lost Coast between Shelter Cove and Ferndale.

[@Yuma310X]

Santa Barbara area.

[@deepee1452]

When he said the coast shifts east-west, is this south of Lompoc and west of the 101? I can’t find specific location info anywhere.

[@richhill9064]

That is such a unique sofa!! Can you let me know where you got it and are others available for sale?

[@gugy68]

Stunning location. Let's keep in mind we had a very wet season in California so no wonder the hills are so green. Most of the time is very dry and brown. Love the location but wildfires freak me out on places like that. Still, it's a gorgeous place and house looks awesome.

[@ourv9603]

Heres an idea. A guy on another channel has his offgrid house complete. he just finished putting his solar on his roof. He was shopping for lithium batteries to build his battery pack when he recollected that the Ford Lightning has the ability to powerup your house during power outages. he checked it out and as it turned out the Lightning has a bigger battery pack capacity PLUS the truck cost less than the batterys he was looking at to build his battery pack with. SO he bought the truck, saved $$, got more capacity & had a truck to run to town in. !

[@natnati8510]

Le rêve 😻😻😻😻🥰❤❤❤❤

[@robertspies4695]

In or near Hollister Ranch north of Santa Barbara? not far from Point Conception perhaps.

[@aninterestingconversation]

I am in love.

[@Hallettjs7957]

I like how the guy is describing the utilities and brings up the septic @ 3:55 and the photographer and editor shows pics of the fresh water manifold and the water filtration system and water softner. If your going to talk about it, show the real pic.

[@josephromero7865]

NICE Project! WELL DONE! What was your price per SF for the build out.

[@nateisright]

It’s interesting design-wise, but I would love to know more about the engineering. Foundation? Piers into bedrock? How does this septic system work? What is he talking about “treating”? Energy storage?

[@Normally_aspirated]

I am floored.

[@brooklynhomesteader3721]

This!!

[@obinisa]

i wanna move in

[@baronperez8200]

This is exactly what I am looking for! Except without California state laws.

[@assetstopurchase8432]

The latitude, altitude and exposure to elements--sun/heat, cold/wind, and water/vapor should help us choose optimal construction materials for our abodes. If space/area is abundant, then only the thermal properties of resistance, conductance, emissivity, and reflectivity should factor into the equation because one could use larger quantities or volumes of materials for strength, provided these don't degrade with exposure to the elements over time. It's very easy to choose materials for extreme latitudes because the seasonal variations aren't material. It's quite difficult to do so for latitudes or locales that have material variations between night and day or between the seasons. The seasonal variations , I suppose, could be overcome to some degree with good ventilation and extensive use of glass to optimise natural lighting because windows can be covered with blinds or blankets/curtains to inhibit or block the heat transfer via light energy, provided the windows are well insulated. One could then decide on where and how to stack the different natural or synthetic construction material based on where we want reflective and resistive surfaces and where we want conductive and emissive surfaces. Unless resistive surfaces have efficient conductive surfaces to serve as bridges, these entrap heat to serve as thermal masses. One could then design a house adapted to the night- and day-time and seasonal temperatures with a clever choice of heat transfer and storage media/systems. We could use a blend of climate sinks and radiators, batteries, heat pumps, and energy sources tied into the prevalent geothermal system to naturally control the climate with some support from artificial energy sources, provided the insulation, ventilation, and natural lighting systems are optimal. I would never compromise on luxury, never compromise on either the aesthetic or functionality, never punish myself with austerity, and never inconvenience myself (except for bare essential physical activity for biological and physical health), but I love the freedom and autonomy that self-sufficiency provides me with. I would adopt the following approach to designing my off-grid home: 1- I would orient the home towards the south in the northern hemisphere to maximize my exposure to the Sun. 2- I'll elevate the home for the view, the breeze and for protection against floods and snow. 3- I'll dig the basement at a depth of 8+ feet to have the same temperature year-round. I might even build into a hill, for the same reason, if it wouldn't ruin my view. 4- I'll build the top story to harness the Sun and to harvest the rainwater and//or snow: I'll use a conductive stone roof, large windows, good insulation and a sloping roof emptying out into a ceramic or concrete tank designed, as a still, to provide distilled drinking water. 5- I'll use the gravel on the driveway to filter and store tap water during the rains, and to also heat the water on sunny days. 6- I'll orient the house with some vents towards the Sun and others away from it to naturally generate air currents to warm or cool the house, and to also exhaust unwanted air. 7- I'll build a veranda around the house and choose an aperture to block the Summer Sun, but allow the Winter Sun in warm climes, or I would replace the Veranda with a conservatory or a small and high roof to maximize both the Winter and Summer Sun in very cold climes. 8- I'll maximize light and heat with windows, and use cane, whicker, woolen or cotton/rug blinds or wooden shutters to control light and heat. 9- I'll use an R60 insulation through the walls, floors and roofs and use the highest grade of insulation on the windows. I'll then run the piping for geothermal heat inside of the insulation, and cover the piping with a good conducting material, like metal, glass, or stone. 10- With regards to the interior decor, I'll use glass, metal, stone, granite and marble for conduction; concrete, sand and earth for heat storage; and wood, wool and rugs for insulation. 11- I'll build a large green house to fill the geothermal heat battery during the day and in warm weather, and store the heat in a heat-tank made of stones, gravel pieces, sand and earth, and place the geothermal piping (running an efficient fluid) inside this battery. 12- I'll use a blend of PV solar, wind(Liam turbine) and wave power(a magnet moving over a coil, a turbine, a water wheel, an air piston, etc.) during the day and wind, wave, hydel or sand-stored solar (stored as heat;don't like batteries) at night. 13- I'll use an ammonia- or other refrigerant-driven heat-pump for the most efficient use of heat energy. These will work my geothermal, refrigeration, air conditioning, heating and cooking systems. 14-- I might use a thermal-solar solution with parabolic troughs to heat an oil, store the heat in sand, and then drive a small turbine at night if there is no wind or wave power on that day. I'll also use the heat from this to replace the compression section of the heat-pump and to also heat water and cook. 15- I'll choose the insulation, conduction, convection and heat transfer systems(pumps) to be the most thermally efficient, but I'll choose the solar-thermal, solar PV, wind, wave and hydel energy generation systems and oil/water/gas/fluid; sand/gravel/concrete/ceramic other solid storage systems to be the most robust and lowest maintenance systems even if these are insufficient. 16- I might use electrolysis to harvest hydrogen from water and store that as ammonia for use in a vehicle, yacht, or aircraft driven with an ammonia fuel-cell or internal combustion engine. I don't like to store hydrogen in tanks because it is very volatile. 17- I'll use satellite, cellular, VHF, HF/SW, and MW communications and media systems.

[@manoflegends8741]

Wow

[@faramarzmokri9136]

Could you also share the costs of building this very nice and interesting structure?

[@Cinepobrefilmfestival]

deep, rich. no kidding.