Sonoma Family Retreat by building Lab

ByJon Dykstra Houses

Sonoma Family Retreat by building Lab

Location:  Sonoma
Scope:  Whole House Renovation + New ADU
Design: building Lab
Year: 2022

In order to come up with the very specific design ideas, we create most designs with the assistance of state-of-the-art AI interior design software. Also, assume links that take you off the site are affiliate links such as links to Amazon. this means we may earn a commission if you buy something.

The home features lots of outdoor space including a pool terrace and a wonderful cabana.
The home features lots of outdoor space including a pool terrace and a wonderful cabana.
A concrete walkway leads to the home's entrance with a wooden front door.
A concrete walkway leads to the home’s entrance with a wooden front door.
The living room features multicolored modern seats and a double-sided fireplace shared by the dining room.
The living room features multicolored modern seats and a double-sided fireplace shared by the dining room.
A huge painting and framed artworks adorn the dining room. It flows seamlessly into the kitchen through large openings.
A huge painting and framed artworks adorn the dining room. It flows seamlessly into the kitchen through large openings.
The kitchen offers lots of storage, multiple sinks, and lengthy counter spaces.
The kitchen offers lots of storage, multiple sinks, and lengthy counter spaces.
A glazed door and skylight brighten this hallway.
A glazed door and skylight brighten this hallway.
The bathroom is equipped with a floating vanity, a toilet, and a walk-in shower encased in frameless glass panels.
The bathroom is equipped with a floating vanity, a toilet, and a walk-in shower encased in frameless glass panels.
The primary bedroom has a comfy bed, a tufted chair, and private access to the back porch.
The primary bedroom has a comfy bed, a tufted chair, and private access to the back porch.
The back porch features a modern lounger where family members can sit and relax in style.
The back porch features a modern lounger where family members can sit and relax in style.
The covered porch seamlessly transitions to the pool terrace.
The covered porch seamlessly transitions to the pool terrace.
View of the house from the backyard showcasing its expansive porch, pool terrace, and accompanying cabana.
View of the house from the backyard showcasing its expansive porch, pool terrace, and accompanying cabana.
Second living space with wooden seats and direct access to the back porch.
Second living space with wooden seats and direct access to the back porch.
The eat-in kitchen has an 8-seater dining set, custom cabinets, and stainless steel appliances.
The eat-in kitchen has an 8-seater dining set, custom cabinets, and stainless steel appliances.
Sliding glass doors provide a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor living.
Sliding glass doors provide a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor living.
The pool terrace offers multiple sitting areas perfect for entertaining.
The pool terrace offers multiple sitting areas perfect for entertaining.
Site plan of the Sonoma Family Retreat House.
Site plan of the Sonoma Family Retreat House.
Floor plan of the Sonoma Family Retreat House.
Floor plan of the Sonoma Family Retreat House.
ADU and garage plan of the Sonoma Family Retreat House.
ADU and garage plan of the Sonoma Family Retreat House.

The design intends to support our client’s vision of transforming this Sonoma ranch house into a multi-generational family retreat with modern spaces and a strong sense of anchorage to the site. The roof was raised in communal areas to provide a greater sense of openness and connection to the pool area and vineyards beyond. A hierarchy of spaces was established that can be read from inside to out.

White walls, a warm integrally colored concrete floor and rift white oak cabinets form a material palette that provides a foundational simplicity and allows the natural setting to take center stage.

Creating distinct spaces that foster togetherness was a guiding principle throughout the development of this project. By raising the ceiling height of the central area, we created a light filled communal space flanked by private quarters to the east and west. Wide openings on each end of the kitchen connect to the adjacent living and dining areas which flow seamlessly together and share views to the patios, pool, and the vineyards beyond.

The original Spanish style colonnade provided a comfortable shaded zone to inhabit. We aimed to recreate these qualities with a sense of lightness and modernity.

By Jon Dykstra · See their LinkedIn.