Cedar Lake Ranch Main House
A custom home designed as the centerpiece residence at Cedar Lake Ranch
11,145 Sq Ft | 6 Bedrooms | 7 Full, 5 Half Baths
Project Overview
The Cedar Lake Ranch Main House is designed as the primary residence within a multi-building estate, where the home, surrounding landscape, and supporting structures work together as a unified system.
Rather than treating the house as an isolated object, the design considers the entire property. Grade changes, circulation, outdoor spaces, and adjacent structures are all coordinated to create a home that is both functional and integrated into its setting.
The result is a residence that anchors the estate while supporting how the property is used day to day.
Design Approach
The design was developed with an emphasis on coordination between architecture, structure, and site planning. Key decisions related to layout, massing, and grading were resolved early to ensure the home could be built efficiently while maintaining a clear and intentional organization.
The house is composed of multiple connected volumes that break down its scale and allow it to respond to the site. This approach creates a more human-scaled experience while supporting a complex program.
At the same time, the design maintains clarity. Each portion of the home has a defined role, allowing the overall composition to feel organized rather than overwhelming.
Site Response
The home is positioned and shaped by a coordinated grading strategy that creates a series of level outdoor spaces across a sloping site. Retaining walls are used to establish terraces, allowing the home to connect directly to usable outdoor areas at multiple levels.
This approach transforms the slope into an asset rather than a limitation. The building and landscape work together to create a structured environment that supports circulation, outdoor living, and views.
Driveways, approach, and access points are integrated into this system, creating a clear and intentional arrival sequence.
Layout and Living Experience
The layout is organized around a series of connected living spaces that extend into the surrounding terraces and outdoor areas. Primary living, kitchen, and dining spaces are positioned to take advantage of views and direct access to exterior spaces
Private areas are separated into distinct zones, allowing for both openness and privacy within the home. Changes in level and transitions between spaces create a sense of progression rather than a flat, repetitive layout.
Circulation is clear and efficient, allowing the home to function comfortably despite its size and complexity.
Outdoor Living and Terraced Spaces
Outdoor living is a defining feature of the Cedar Lake Ranch Main House. Rather than a single backyard, the design creates a hierarchy of outdoor spaces, including terraces, pool areas, gathering spaces, and transitional zones.
These areas are organized through the grading strategy, allowing each space to function independently while remaining connected to the overall composition.
The pool terrace acts as a central outdoor element, with surrounding spaces designed for seating, dining, and gathering. Additional outdoor structures extend the functionality of the property, supporting a range of uses from everyday living to larger events.
Supporting Structures and Property Integration
The Cedar Lake Ranch Main House is designed in coordination with supporting structures across the property, including guest accommodations, service buildings, and recreational spaces.
These elements are positioned to support the function of the estate while maintaining a clear architectural hierarchy. The main residence remains the focal point, with secondary structures reinforcing the organization of the property.
This approach allows the entire site to function as a cohesive system rather than a collection of independent buildings
Structure and Buildability
Structural decisions were developed alongside the site and layout strategy to ensure the home could be built efficiently despite its complexity. Foundation systems, retaining walls, and floor levels are coordinated to work with the terrain and support the overall design.
By resolving these elements early, the project avoids unnecessary complications during construction and creates a clear path from design to execution.
Materials and Architectural Character
The architectural language combines natural materials with a mix of traditional and contemporary elements, creating a design that feels grounded while remaining refined.
Stone is used to anchor the home to the site, particularly at retaining walls and lower levels, while lighter materials and glazing are used above to create openness and connection to the landscape.
Structural expression, roof forms, and material transitions are coordinated to create a cohesive composition across the multiple volumes of the home.
Project Summary
The Cedar Lake Ranch Main House reflects an approach that prioritizes coordination between architecture, site, and structure. By resolving these elements early, the design creates a home that is organized, buildable, and fully integrated into a larger estate.
The result is a residence that not only functions well on its own, but also defines and supports the character of the entire property.