The Phoenix / Feldman Architecture

Architects: Feldman Architecture
Area: 5,289 ft²
Year: 2022
Photography: Ema Peter
Interior Furnishings & Styling: Gaile Guevara Studio
Builder: Cello & Maudru Construction
Lighting Designer: Anna Kondolf Lighting Design
Structural Engineer: GFDS Engineering
Geotechnical Consultant: RGH Consultants
City: Healdsburg, California
Country: United States

The Phoenix, a residential project by Feldman Architecture in Healdsburg, CA, was designed after the original home was lost to a 2017 fire. Positioned on a ridge, the modern design incorporates stacked, rectilinear forms and relocated outdoor spaces, particularly the pool, to establish a stronger connection between the house and its natural surroundings. The project focuses on sustainability, featuring green roofs, solar panels, and eco-friendly materials. Surrounded by orchards, this family retreat combines environmental mindfulness with a modern lifestyle.

In 2017, after a fire destroyed their home, the owners of The Phoenix set out to create a residence that would address the shortcomings of the original structure and take full advantage of its scenic location. Nestled atop a ridge in Healdsburg, CA, with expansive views extending toward Mount Saint Helena, the site inspired Feldman Architecture to design a modern retreat that balances the family’s desire for forward-thinking architecture with their need to connect to nature. The design emphasizes a strong relationship with the landscape by framing key vistas and creating fluid transitions between interior and exterior spaces.

The home’s layout is composed of elongated, stacked rectilinear forms running from east to west, a strategy that grounds the building within its rugged environment. One of the major challenges was relocating the pool, which in the original plan was placed too far downslope, causing a disconnection from the house. The new design brings the pool closer to the main structure, establishing an integrated indoor-outdoor flow between the residence, pool, and pool house. This change enhances the home’s outdoor living experience, creating intimate areas for both social gatherings and quiet moments in nature.

Upon entering the home, guests are welcomed by sweeping views of the surrounding forested hills and the infinity pool, which parallels the lower-level public spaces. In the southeast-facing kitchen and living room, large sliding glass doors provide an unobstructed connection to the outdoors. Custom cabinetry and casework add subtle refinement to these spaces, while a bespoke lighting sculpture, created in collaboration with studio DRIFT, introduces a playful sense of movement between the dining and living areas. The trellised outdoor living space, located between the main house and pool house, provides adjustable shading for outdoor dining and lounging, ideal for the sunny Healdsburg climate. Adjacent to this space, a gravel patio features a wood-fired pizza oven and direct access to raised vegetable beds, supporting the family’s commitment to a farm-to-table lifestyle.

On the upper floor, the primary suite appears to hover above the valley, with expansive views of the rolling coastal fog below. Hallways connect to green roofs and a western-facing deck, designed to capture vibrant sunsets over the mountain landscape. Additional bedrooms offer views over the carefully curated lower-level landscaping, reinforcing the home’s close relationship with its natural surroundings. Interiors, curated by Gaile Guevara Studio, showcase eco-friendly finishes and furnishings sourced from sustainable brands, blending style with environmental consciousness.

Sustainability plays a central role in the project’s design. The inclusion of green roofs and solar panels reflects the family’s dedication to sustainable living, ensuring the home aligns with their eco-conscious values. Surrounded by olive and fruit orchards, The Phoenix takes full advantage of its sprawling, scenic site, offering a serene yet modern retreat that integrates seamlessly into its environment.