25HomeStyle by the Sea

WWhile this Quail Meadows home stands out from its neighbors, it blends beautifully into its natural surroundings. And that’s exactly what architect David Allen Smith envisioned when he sited and designed the “rustic contemporary” style home.

“The client wanted various levels to the home, but without many stairs,” remembers Smith. “There’s a lot of movement; it’s geometric and staggered up and around things. I enjoy designing smaller and varied spaces that when combined create a cohesive structure that melds into the site.”

According to the delighted homeowners, it was a mutual effort that involved them, Smith and Carmel Building and Design owner Rob Nicely, general contractor for the project. Rob and David collaborated for about one year to refine the selection of materials that would define the 3,600-square-foot home. Breaking ground in 2005, the stunning residence was completed in the fall of 2006.

Earthy materials including wood, stone, plaster, color-washed concrete and metal dominate both inside and out. The main house as well as the 600-square foot guest house and underground garage seem to slowly emerge from the landscape as you approach. “David has a modern sensibility in geometry and massing of the house, using organic materials that intregrate well into the scenery.”

Rustic ContemporaryFuses Elegance and Ease

By Melanie Chatfield

26 HomeStyle by the Sea

“David and Rob were the perfect team,” agree the owners. “They both listened to us, and kept us informed and involved every step of the way. They really wanted us to have a home that fit us to a tee. And it does.”

The home’s exterior is purposely austere so as not to compete with the natural flora that flourishes on the tree covered parcel. “When you have a home that is this ‘straightforward’ and with so little trim, there is no place to hide mistakes,” jokes Rob. “We like to think that one of the

things that sets us apart is that we take so much care to make every element perfect—whether it shows or not.”

In contrast, the interior, while contemporary, is warm and inviting, with neutral tones enlightened by splashes of bold, fresh color. Exposed wood beams and trusses overhead and scrapped-walnut underfoot express the “rustic” side of the design. Colored concrete serves as counter surfaces in the kitchen and baths; as dramatic fireplaces in the great room, master suite and patio; as columns and a low, elongated wall that accents the backyard.

The home is linear, with the master suite and guest rooms situated at opposite ends of the

home for the ultimate in privacy. Built-ins are everywhere, creating a sleek and organized appearance that’s simultaneously efficient and expressive.

Inside and out are brought in unison as the home is built around a central courtyard. Heavy duty, large storefront windows stand up to the thick, elegantly plastered walls, drenching interior spaces with natural light. Outdoor living spaces are equally stylish and soothed by the sound of water gently cascading over the layered stone fountain. Tito Patri, Landscape Architect, worked closely with Smith to ensure integration of interior and exterior spaces as well as design trellis structures, garden walls, paving, water features and other landscape elements.

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TEL 831-626-8606

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28 HomeStyle by the Sea

“David found a way to create function out of all the space,” says the lady of the house. “I love my office that sits in a loft that would have been wasted space above the kitchen. It’s private yet I don’t feel isolated when I’m

there.” A second office is the husband’s domain and like most other rooms in the home, opens onto the central courtyard.

To the spacious guest room with high ceiling, David added a cozy loft. A custom-designed and -built ladder tucks neatly out of the way of the door and safe from the couple’s adventurous four-year-old granddaughter.

Consistent with the modern appeal of this structure and the owners’ desire for convenience, home management and entertainment systems are hidden from sight, and centrally controlled. Large screen plasma televisions rest in recessed niches over the minimalist fireplaces in the expansive great room and master suite.

“We not only enjoy our new home,” say the owners, “we actually enjoyed the entire process. Working with Rob and David was such a pleasure and we are just thrilled with our surroundings.” n

Resources...David Allen Smith(Architect)Monterey(831) 373-7337

Carmel Building & Design(General Contractor)Rob NicelyCarmel(831) 626-8606

ARCA Woodworkers(Cabinets) Michael StarkWatsonville(831) 763-1701

William Hellmuth Construction (Hardwood floors)Bill Hellmuth(831) 455-3758Salinas

Holm Roofing Lloyd HolmMonterey(831) 646-4580

Jenkins Plastering (Plaster and stucco)Robin JenkinsCarmel Valley(831) 915-5007

David Kazansky (Tile) Carmel(831) 625-5380

Lockwood Mechanical (Heating system, gutters, downspouts, roof flashing)John LockwoodMarina(831) 384-9310

Mahoney MasonryMike MahoneyCarmel Valley(831) 659-0363

Monterey Glass (Window glazing, shower glass, mirrors)Dirk Lenters Monterey(831) 484-2651

Tito Patri(Landscape Architect)San Francisco(415) 986-8811

James Sommerville, Inc. (Site work, excavation, driveway)Jim SommervilleSalinas(831) 751-0702

Peter Butler’s Pebble Beach

Peter D. Butler II831.622.4845peter.butler@sothebysrealty.com

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