Green Developments

Inspired by the charm of houseboat communities and the positive aspects of trailer parks, our team took on the challenge of designing affordable, compact homes in a small community setting. 

Could we utilize sustainable materials with modular building techniques? Use alternative off-the-grid energy and permaculture landscape principles. Create beautiful and luxurious environments while keeping the results affordable?

Yes! We created plans for simple elegant modular units influenced by the beauty and functionality of Japanese design. To create privacy, each home wrapped around a small courtyard; thus adding an outdoor room to each unit. To foster community we envisioned thriving edible gardens with footpaths linking homes, commons and community centers.

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White Cliff Mineral Springs was a rustic destination for travelers seeking healing mineral waters at the turn of the last century.  This 160 acre parcel has four year round springs, one of which is a mineral spring. 

The Spiral House is designed to house retreat participants in a remote, natural setting; home to coyote, fox, bear and mountain lion, and redolent of ancient memories of pine nut and acorn gathering.

 A massive stone fireplace holds the center of the house that spirals around and up from the open vine covered courtyard to the enclosed kitchen and great rooms up to open sleeping balconies covered with fabric roofs.  Adobe brick arches form the exterior and interior walls framing the views of the beautiful valley below.

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Home design in harmony with its landscape is critical for long term energy savings as well as year round comfort and beauty. The simple act of sensitive orientation to the sun, for example, is a key design decision that can make a big difference; a south facing room with a clay floor can hold and radiate heat in winter while in summer an overhead vine blooming outside that same window will shade it from summer rays.

A holistic view taking all these elements into account is the key to successful design that delivers more than the sum of its parts. This integrated approach is my special expertise and passion.

Now more than ever it is time to think out of the box and implement sustainable solutions for living the good life in our homes, neighborhoods and communities. The time has come to make choices that are in alignment with core community values and ecologically sustainable principles. Brewer Studio Architects delivers architecture that can help fill those needs.