Surrounded by permanently protected open space in the historic winemaking area of the South Livermore Valley, this house presents a weathered wood barn to the road, and has metal-clad sheds behind. The design process was driven by the metaphor of an old farmhouse that had been incrementally added to over the years. The space is open to expansive views of vineyards and unspoiled hills.

The house was designed to meet two equally important requirements: First, to build an energy-efficient, ecologically sound house; and second to create a home that would be completely accessible and usable by all family members, including active teenage kids, the lady-of-the-house who uses an electric wheelchair, and her elderly mother who may move into the secondary unit. This usability for everyone is a perfect example of Universal Design. Careful integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, careful design of cabinetry and plumbing, and electronic automation of key components make this house both beautiful and universally accessible.