An Architects Own Home Designed as a Tree House That Disappears Into the Landscape (House Tour)

Designed as a tree house and woven into the landscape of California’s Martis Valley - within striking distance of Lake Tahoe - is Analog House, jointly designed by Olson Kundig and Faulkner Architects. Due to its location and the nature of its form, the home seamlessly echoes its alpine surroundings and becomes part of the forest floor through conversational design. Situated in a dense forest, the architecture was conceived to be environmentally sensitive. The glass doors and exterior rainscreen are made of recycled steel and the wood frame employs engineered wood studs, joists and rafters. The structure’s steel skin also requires no maintenance and is fire-resistant. As such, the architects not only created a dwelling that nestles into the surrounds but one that greatly considers and responds to the environment.
As seen in the house tour, there is a harmony in the home’s design; it offers seamless transitions from room to room, showcasing the transformed spaces both inside and out. Designed as a tree house, the pièce de résistance of the dwelling is the steel tower - a three-storey structure that rises from the main volume. Designed as a guest wing, it comprises bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms and a rooftop deck with sweeping views. In the main volume of the house lies the kitchen and utility areas, with moveable glass doors that open up to the outdoor spaces and allow for plenty of fresh air to enter the abode. From here, the house tour leads to a concrete pavilion, which houses the living room and, further along, the primary bedroom and study.
Enhancing the transformation of the home is the material choices throughout. The design team took cues from the landscape, weaving the structure around existing pine trees and using the clearings to establish habitable ground. The result is a series of perpendicular cement, steel and glass volumes that afford panoramas at every angle and blur the line between nest and nature. Interactive moments also feature throughout the dwelling. For example, the custom fireplace between the kitchen and porch, which can be converted into an Argentinian grill using a hand-cranked mechanism. Offering a seamless connection to the surrounds, Analog House by Olson Kundig and Faulkner Architects is designed as a tree house that serves as nature’s nearest neighbour.
00:00 - Introduction to the Tree House
00:44 - Respecting the Landscape Throughout the Design
01:26 - A Quiet Scheme
01:50 - A Conversation Rather than a Brief
02:26 - Walkthrough and the Layout of the House
03:20 - The Singular Choice Materials
04:32 - Exciting Aspects of the Space
05:26 - The Gizmos
06:40 - Favourite Parts of the Process and Design
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Photography by Yoshihiro Makino.
Architecture by Olson Kundig and Faulkner Architects.
Interior Design by Faulkner Architects.
Build by Rickenbach Development and Construction.
Landscape by Michael Boucher Landscape Architecture.
Civil Engineering by Shaw Engineering.
Structural Engineering by CFBR Structural Group.
Mechanical Engineering by Rock Point Engineering.
Lighting Design by Niteo Lighting.
Filmed and Edited by O&Co. Homes.
Production by The Local Project.
Location: Truckee, California, United States
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.
#TreeHouse #Home #TheLocalProject

[@TheLocalProject]

We hope you enjoyed exploring the incredible Analog House by Olson Kundig and Faulkner Architects in California’s Martis Valley! The seamless integration of this tree house into its alpine surroundings, coupled with its environmentally conscious design, truly makes it a masterpiece. For more of the latest and greatest in architecture, interior design and house tours, be sure to order Issue No. 13 of our tri-annual print publication: thelocalproject.com.au/publication/issue-13/

[@minecraftfox4384]

Seamless? This sticks out like a sore thumb. It's gaudy, looks terrible, is terrible for the environment.

[@unklejungle]

And they say 'money can't buy happiness' - point disproven. Feckin gorgeous design, bravo.

[@kanesky]

you're the type of guy to say "methinks" aren't you?

[@spenkew]

Always nice to see works by Olsen Kundig and Faulkner architects. But to have them both together as a collaboration, is beyond my wildest dreams!

[@TheLocalProject]

A dream collaboration!

[@nodonkey4125]

i bet those trees love all that steel and glass and concrete woven into their landscape

[@AlmosJablonkay]

my exact thought haha

[@sunnysideup33]

This is gold. The humans and the project.

[@cassokon]

This is probably top 5 TLP tours with one of the best architecture studios on the planet

[@pimtraipin5442]

This is breath-taking! From exterior to the interior to material choices. I will say this is the best building I've seen this year.

[@TheLocalProject]

Glad you like it!

[@davidhunternyc1]

I agree.

[@mariusgerome]

beautiful shot of the squirrel :D

[@TheLocalProject]

😀

[@slumberspeak]

yeah this is probably the most beautiful structure, let alone house, I've ever seen.

[@bjorn2970]

I bet that house feels amazing when you experience it!

[@TheLocalProject]

It certainly does!

[@donjuan150]

Wow anything Kundig touches turns to gold...

[@mrvk39]

Olson Kundig is one of my favorite residential architects even though their style isn't my cup of tea. But, I still appreciate how well they execute this modern industrial style for homes and how great their architecture is when it comes to clean lines, to framing views, to fitting the house to its landscape - all of this is showcased here.

[@Minimalism225]

Faulkner Architects are one of my favorite firms. They are so talented at what they do and they truly convey what it means to blend a home with nature. This home is no exception. Sensationally designed with so much detail and care. This collaboration turned out wonderful. Thank you Local Project for presenting this, as it was truly a treat!

[@TheLocalProject]

Couldn't agree more! And our pleasure, thank you!

[@nextwave1314]

I wish this videos were longer and that they lingered on each beautiful vista. It would help to incorporate the plan of the house into the screen at all times and highlight the area featured in each instance so the viewer can better imagine the space.

[@Brian-nt1hh]

Location and build meet majestically, and quietly. Thx for the visuals

[@eclectricgay]

11/10 I don't think I've seen a house fit into a landscape I adore as much as this house. My needs are a bit different, so my design would be slightly different. The aesthetic of modern naturalistic building and how it frames the landscape is a masterpiece. I grew up in northern Wisconsin and saw too many city people come in and the very first thing they would do is remove all the trees and put in non native grasses. They recreated the suburbs in the wilderness. It was an absolute violation of the natural beauty that exists. Those that don't appreciate it should just stay in the cities and suburbs. I would add a few more elements myself. Built in art in the form of different colored stones, a few gnarly branches or roots, an indoor moss wall with some ferns poking out, some kokedama, different species of wood with different grain patterns and colors. Those fireplaces were amazing, and the faucet too. Very steampunk. I haven't been this excited about architecture in a long time. Thank you for sharing your wonderful creation.

[@Bamamarama]

Really love to know more about the builders. Houses like this, in general, the ones that are totally custom, they seem beyond the scope of a traditional or even luxury home builder.

[@christianemeiners9224]

Unbelievable, stupendous, a dream.

[@Cole3Cox]

This house feels like what an Ancient ruin would have been like when It was first built

[@DCPEvo]

Thank you for shooting this house and conducting the interview with the architects. Even just watching this made me super happy and relaxed at the same time.

[@davidhunternyc1]

Stunning home. Reminds me of my favorite house in the world, the Kaufmann House in Palm Springs by Richard Neutra. They're both built to reflect and respect the land they're on. Different environments. Different outcomes. Both homes bring the outdoors in. Both homes breathe softly despite the use of brutalist materials.... Love the Little Petra Chair too.

[@LordAikido]

I grew up in the Truckee area, Squaw Valley to be precise. Those flat roofs are gonna suck to clear off when they have 20 feet of snow on them. This must just be a summer retreat.

[@JG-mp5nb]

And the manzanita and Sugar pine encircling it?

[@user-lb1eh8hn8s]

Amazing designed home. Love the robust materials used and the house’s beautiful connection with nature. 😊

[@thelmalanderos80]

Those concrete slabs are a regular feature of Mexican architecture. I really hope that more architects worldwide will offer that as structure option design to their clients. It’s so beautiful, raw & organic.

[@johnferraz6417]

When two architects meet...fire starts! 'We'...are always curious to experience...another's point of view. There was definitely a mutual respect shared here...each with their own strengths...and weaknesses. The best projects are always done in a cooperative way. Why not use the experience and opportunity to learn from one another... Thanks for sharing it...with all of us. John.

[@lydiarowe491]

It all just blends..the shapes the pallet..the location..if I was blind folded and brought there it would excite me no end..🌲

[@NaveenKumars-fy2wx]

You guys are the best

[@kayelyward8714]

Beautiful design! I love the unique features of the home such as the faucets and the fire places. It's wonderful how well the home sits among the trees and seamlessly exists within nature. The windows offer great views of the forest and bring beautiful natural light into the home. Lovely design.

[@TheLocalProject]

We totally agree!

[@davidalanmedia]

Wow! What an incredible home and wonderful collaboration!

[@TheLocalProject]

We agree!

[@narensolanki8894]

Stunning…great work !

[@willhum9162]

This brings so much peace and tranquility in a world of chaos

[@1hayes1]

Sorry, I don't see that. A tiny number of people having this much privilege is the source of that chaos.

[@deborahjones3956]

Wow! Stunningly beautiful home.

[@TheLocalProject]

It really is!

[@udomw8058]

The whole house is JUST stunning! That mass of off-white concrete wall which runs horizontally in contrast to the vertical lines of pine trees makes it visually impactful ! The OK design of all mechanics are pleased to look at especially when they’re in the process of working. The color palette they used, the magnificent site and every vacant space they intended in- & outside are super impressive!

[@canadude6401]

LOVE this home, and the Porsche's too! I can only guess what record is being played.... 1:17 I am going to guess three options: Paul Simon- Graceland James Taylor- Greatest Hits or Fleetwood Mac- Rumours

[@TheLocalProject]

All great guesses!

[@canadude6401]

Greg Faulkner: what record DID you put on ? :)

[@TheSushmaHomeSellingTeam]

This is not just a creative home but an intelligent one too. 👏🏼😲

[@harshsonawane6076]

Absolutely magnificent. Perfection, not even kidding.

[@TheLocalProject]

Agreed!

[@alnaghashmn]

What a beautifully crafted piece of architecture. Reminds me of the design language of Lake | Flato.

[@israeljuarez7380]

This home is a modern masterpiece. Wow, wow, wow. Every detail from the materials, to the location to the furnishings. If I ever win the lotto, I’m calling these guys!

[@creolelady182]

I loved the other property they did on the Elms in Venice

[@Haru_ExquisiteBoxer]

Architecture for Architects! Calmingly exciting gizmo mingling with the landscape. I can not help loving it.💚

[@olawaleoladele604]

Thank you Team for showing more incredible American Architecture, really making me eat my words lol

[@TheLocalProject]

Our pleasure, and more to come!

[@OHANA-Beach-Suites-CDO]

What an amazingly beautifully finished home! Love it!

[@TheLocalProject]

We agree!

[@taylorcarlisle2515]

One of my all time favorite projects!

[@TheLocalProject]

One of ours too!

[@mariak3128]

This is such a cool house and such a beautiful place I want to cry! Stunning!

[@cherreellewellyn2421]

Stunning and I could feel myself relaxing just looking through this house.

[@gpgreyvenstein8227]

Somebody kindly elaborate on what is meant by a building can become a potato? I love the analogy.

[@gregdimond9619]

Perfect. And finally a home with a turntable!!

[@amaechichristopheribeme184]

CHIEFOGO: Life force in active mode. I have no English word for this fantastic architecture.

[@amado7760]

Beautiful home, very happy for you, to enjoy such a magnificent space living in harmony with the environment, life is good.

[@marymccluer1630]

Beautiful house. I like the way natural light is brough into the house; soft/not glaring.

[@positivityforever]

It is simply serene and sublime!

[@DavidZafra]

That fire invents are just epic

[@psyphonyxaudio]

Very Nice McIntosch and Focal Sopra HiFi system ... Irony of seeing a TurnTable in the " Analog " house. I hope this house always avoids any of the forest fires that some times sweep the area.

[@georgewhitehouse8630]

This is the best you tube I have ever seen. Thank you 🙏 ❤❤

[@TheLocalProject]

😇

[@joenisnapje712]

A gorgeous ‘living’ space with raw, basic materials and simple forms, inviting the outdoors inside. Personally I would prefer the exterior walls to make the entire building nearly invisible to the naked eye, so would have opted for more pine bark cladding. Love the organic in both exterior and interior design 😘✌🏻🥰

[@bwpospolyta]

Will the color of the concrete change? Seems a bit claustrophobic in certain areas also flat roof for all that snow?

[@frak357]

That is an amazingly beautiful home. But what is it like when covered with 400 inches of snow in the dead of winter?

[@romulo_gomes]

Wow. That’s an amazing house right there.

[@luckyleaprealestate]

Amazing HOME TOUR

[@CooperJeanne]

This house is soo well done!

[@guillermovaccarezza7105]

I see a lot of good old 20th century modernism depicted in this remarkable house

[@adityavinod766]

Such an amazing project!

[@jhdk_]

More Olson Kundig please!

[@TheLocalProject]

More incoming!

[@HausOfMoonbeam]

This is stunning.

[@jpineapple9495]

we wanted this property to be woven directly into nature, so we made a massive eye popping white concret slab cube. bordering on an snl skit.

[@bemnetsileshi5222]

It’s funny how no matter how great the videography and editing is it’s still impossible to actually show how surreal it it to be with in that space, great work and presentation by the way, I watched the whole video.

[@Pyromanemac]

Wow, this building looks completely cold and unwelcoming. Excelent job!

[@mechwarreir2]

it's a fancy Hobo House

[@my4cars528]

Quite amazing.

[@christinalee3036]

Absolutely beautiful- my dream home. How lucky you are to live here.

[@MariaPNW]

This house, the details, the surrounding - all of it brings tears to my eyes!! It's just the most thoughtful, inspirational, intentional house I've ever seen! One day I want to live there. Or at least hire Greg, too! (Get in line, I know....) Can I come and visit you for lunch or dinner? I'll bring the Champagne!

[@fredyiga-hg9ed]

Beautiful

[@user-le7br9nn6k]

Unbelievable house❤

[@Jeedehem]

A masterpiece.

[@ikbrrrr]

Such an exquisite restaurant for all sorts of mosquitoes and buggies. Looks great!

[@jackieclark817]

Stunning

[@maeshellewest-davies7904]

gorgeous!

[@detroitculture.]

Really incredible place…..

[@hanirezaeiDesignStudio]

love it ❤

[@spazzypotato8325]

Oh yes mass amounts of concrete such a green and environmentally friendly building material.

[@vincentgoette]

Pretty cool that this whole video is just 3d renderings and they greenscreened them into the renders.

[@stevewhittaker23]

The result and obvious thought into the structure by two beasts of their field is evident, but every video with a large concrete mass and hard geometric lines is being sold to us as invisible, perfectly matched to nature. Amongst nature yes. But as a tree house that disappears into the landscape, that tag is being thrown around easy, mentioned even in suburban videos.

[@mojojojojojojojo]

amazing

[@giacomoquesito]

Amazing

[@anncurran4704]

Has the possibility of wild fires played a role in the selection of building materials?

[@user-fw5qn2vb2s]

This house is unbelievable I want a house built by them

[@spinmoto180]

This has been Magnificently Executed! Not Ostentatious, Just UnderStated Perfection!

[@jimbeekman4863]

Splendid

[@charlesguest6587]

Absolutely beautiful house, feel like it could do without so many concrete walls though.

[@punyametha]

Natural beauty

[@FloridaMeng]

Incredible flex.

[@jakewelch.design]

wow speechless

[@TheLocalProject]

Amazing, isn't it!

[@danielattilavanyi]

"Quite" This is not my first thought about big concrete blocks in the forest. I like how open it is to the outside world but it is a quite aggressive design (ahh, that is why it is quite :D )

[@blackvulture7999]

This is my dream house.

[@robertedwards9055]

I need Elon or Bill or Jeff-or maybe even the PowerBall, lol-to get me a house like this. So beautiful. So comfy. Ugh, it’s so beautiful.

[@StudioPekalongan]

nice.....

[@paulbradbury5792]

Oh yay another multi-million dollar house for rich people. Its so inspiring to see what can be created with unlimited time and money that one person in 5,000,000 could ever hope to appreciate.

[@kurtbrisch5776]

Mac and Focal, good choices in audio equipment.

[@ayhay4686]

They are seniors but they've young minds. Love the terrasse spot on top of the house, also to consider designing the house around the literal trees was very cool. I hope it has a central security system and the glass is bullet proof.

[@eightatheart_music]

"we wanted it to feel woven into the surroundings" *places a huge block of concrete in the middle of the forest* my type of humour

[@josecito976]

Visually stunning, fits almost naturally into the ecosystem I’d love to see a deep dive into the actual building of the home. I’d love to know how the specs of how to maximize the energy efficiency of a home largely built out of concrete, steel and glass