ART ON THE PARK
Problem:
The challenge was to renovate and expand an existing residence at the base of Mount Tamalpais in Marin County, California. The site required a master plan that embraced both the California landscape and the Italianate hilltown context of the existing architecture. The program included exterior sculpture gardens, multiple landscape experiences, and amenities such as a pool, tennis court, pool house, guest building, main building with extensive additions, and rose garden. The design needed to respect the Italianate architecture while accommodating contemporary living and a significant art collection.
Solution:
Additions were conceived not as interventions but as evolutions of the existing structure, carefully respecting its materials and massing. At the heart of the project is a three-story Tempietto stair tower, designed as both a hinge and a knuckle that organizes circulation and connects all spaces upon entry. This tower acts as an homage structure, housing Fornasetti’s masterpiece, the Metaphysical Room, whose circular top and abstract perspectives are inspired by Piranesi and Escher. As the stair tower descends through all three stories, architecture and art intertwine—each drawing from the other.
The interiors are informed by a serious art and crafts collection, featuring works by Igshaan Adams, Sam Gilliam, Piero Fornasetti, Roni Horn, Giuseppe Penone, Claude Lalanne, David Hockney, Ruth Asawa, Ellsworth Kelly, and Teresita Fernández. The exterior gardens host installations by Larry Bell, Yinka Shonibare, Simone Leigh, Anthony Gormley, Tony Cragg, and Zizipho Poswa, creating a seamless dialogue between art, architecture, and landscape.
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Project Code
Photographer
Architect
Awards
2025
INTERIOR DESIGN MAGAZINE – LARGE COUNTRY HOUSE HONOREE
