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P R O F I L E | S T U D I O S C H I C K E TA N Z
PHOTOGRAPHS:
COURTESY
OF
ROBERT
CANFIELD
Studio Schicketanz designed this elegant house in Carmel-by-the-Sea
as an ode to the dream coastal environment.
W R I T T E N B Y K A R I N E M O N I É
C A R V E D
S T O N E
f rom
C
armel-by-the-Sea—120 miles south
of San Francisco—charms residents
and visitors with small streets lined
with restaurants and art galleries, as well as
its beautiful beach. Only a 10-minute drive
from town, in the area of Carmel Highlands,
a couple with twin girls (and two dogs)
entrusted Studio Schicketanz with the design
of their residence. ey were seeking a home
to relax, entertain and host family as well as
business partners. With a slope of 45 degrees,
the site—located right below California State
Route 1, with ocean views towards the north
and a landmark cypress tree in the middle of
the lot—presented the biggest challenge for
the project's construction. But it also offered
a prime opportunity to take advantage of the
spectacular panorama, especially from the
living room, master bedroom and terraces.
From outside, natural stone walls and the
wood surfaces blend with the surroundings,
creating a sense of harmony. One of the
main objectives for Mary Ann Gabriele
Schicketanz—founder, president and
principal architect at Studio Schicketanz—
was to soften the visual impact of the house.
e landscape design was also executed with
the help of local biologist Fred Ballerini.
Organized in four floors with geometric
blocks of different sizes and materials, and
green roofs on each level, the 8,023-square-
foot house has an entrance hidden in the
hillside, a discreet introduction to reveal
sophisticated interior spaces. "To take
advantage of the views towards the north and
