Martis Camp is a 2,200 acre multigenerational ski and golf club located between historic Truckee, California, and Lake Tahoe.  The clients for this project purchased an approximately one acre lot on a heavily wooded, steeply sloping site, with spectacular views of the Carson Mountain Range.  

In order to follow the natural slope of the property, Blaze Makoid Architecture designed the 5,923 square-foot home to take on the form of the encompassing mountains. The result is a sculptural, abstract shaped residence that preserves the natural site features through minimal grading and tree removal. 

Wanting to keep a low profile to the house, the strategy was to address the roof as the primary form maker and work downward.  Treated as an abstract wedge that gently rises from grade where it encompasses utilitarian spaces such as the mudroom, garage and trash, then wraps the site until achieving its height at the public spaces facing the valley and mountain range in the distance. The black metal roof and black stained cedar siding were chosen for their ability to visually recede and blur the definition between horizontal and vertical surfaces.  

The L shape of this volume forms an entry court that screens the neighbors to the north, south and west from car headlights in the evening.  Arrival occurs at the crux of the L at the main, upper floor, which houses the master suite and public spaces. A stone fireplace separates the great room from the dining room and kitchen, all of which share an expansive glass wall providing uninterrupted views of the Carson Mountain Range. Beyond the glass is an outdoor deck/lounge designed for entertaining, complete with fire pit, freestanding grill and infrared heaters to provide warmth on chilly evenings.  

A board formed concrete lower floor emerges on the rear of the house as the property slopes downhill.  This volume is pulled away from the mountain view side of the public spaces, creating a large terrace plinth for outdoor entertaining.  By placing this floor, containing guest bedrooms, laundry, outdoor deck with hot tub, etc. downslope, it allows the house to appear as a one story structure upon arrival, thereby maximizing the ability to see over and beyond the volume.

Other components of this 5 bed, 6.5 bath home are a bunkroom, wine cellar and media room complete with a wall whose bookshelf contains one book that, when tipped forward, opens to a hidden room.