P R O F I L E | S T E R L I N G | H U D D L E S O N A R C H I T E C T U R E
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Cars, art, life. In steering clear of design
trends, Sterling | Huddleson created
uniquely curated spaces hyperspecific to
the needs and lifestyle of the owner. "Living
amongst the automobiles and fine art was
essential," Sterling insists. To that end is
a floor plan that blurred the lines between
auto gallery and living space.
With the inspiration of the house settled,
its design considered an array of sources,
including an unambiguous Asian
influence with everything rooted in skilled
craftsmanship and artistry—architecture
as virtue. "Charles Greene and Bernard
Maybeck were often referenced," says
Sterling of the august American architects
whose sway from the early 20th century
period is seen throughout the project, in
both traditional post and beam detailing
and in a reinterpreted, modern approach
of exposed steel I-beams and columns.
"These details paired well with the client's
interest in Kominka"—a traditional
Japanese farmhouse vernacular—"and the
mastery seen in contemporary Japanese
architect Tadao Ando's board-formed
concrete," says Sterling, noting that the
traditional cedar shake roof reinforces
Japanese farmhouse design while also
softening the rigid lines of the concrete and
steel structure.
In keeping with Sterling | Huddleson's
pared-back approach to exterior material
across all its projects, a minimal palette
of masonry, wood, steel, and board-
formed concrete was used for Quail's
Meadow. "The owner appreciated this
simplified approach, acknowledging the
unfortunate tendency in the industry to
add what they described as 'too many
sequins to the dress,'" says Sterling.
Because material choices should always
consider the environment in which they
are being proposed, he adds, "timeless,
low maintenance materials that develop a
natural patina are always our first choice."
The use of board-formed concrete, he
notes, "anchors the home visually to the
site while cedar wood roof shingles soften
the masonry forms and add a traditional
element" with a steel painted in custom red
lending "a refined, tailored look in contrast
to the natural wood and concrete." The
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