Sonoma Farmhouse by SkB Architects

ByJon Dykstra Houses

Taking the traditional forms of a farmhouse, and their notions of sustenance and community, as inspiration, the project comprises an assemblage of two forms.

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Architecture: SkB Architects
Instagram: @skbarchitects
Photography: Susanna Scott, Hannah Rankin

The Sonoma Farmhaus project was designed for a cycling enthusiast with a globally demanding professional career, who wanted to create a place that could serve as both a retreat of solitude and a hub for gathering with friends and family.

Located within the town of Graton, California, the site was chosen not only to be close to a small town and its community but also to be within cycling distance to the picturesque, coastal Sonoma County landscape.

Taking the traditional forms of a farmhouse, and their notions of sustenance and community, as inspiration, the project comprises an assemblage of two forms – a Main House and a Guest House with Bike Barn – joined in the middle by a central outdoor gathering space anchored by a fireplace.

The vision was to create something consciously restrained and one with the ground on which it stands. Simplicity, clear detailing, and an innate understanding of how things go together were all central themes behind the design. Solid walls of rammed earth blocks, fabricated from soils excavated from the site, bookend each of the structures.

According to the owner, the use of simple, yet rich materials and textures…“provides a humanness I’ve not known or felt in any living venue I’ve stayed, Farmhaus is an icon of sustenance for me”.

The house does not have a traditional front door. Guests are welcomed through an unlocked entry gate and then follow a path that leads them to the central dining terrace and door beyond. It creates a warm atmosphere, you’re already invited in the moment you pass the gate.
The house does not have a traditional front door. Guests are welcomed through an unlocked entry gate and then follow a path that leads them to the central dining terrace and door beyond. It creates a warm atmosphere, you’re already invited in the moment you pass the gate.
In the main house, by locating operable walls on either of the long sides, as well as having operable doors and garage door on the short ends, this allows for continual cross ventilation in both directions which helps keep the house cool.
In the main house, by locating operable walls on either of the long sides, as well as having operable doors and garage door on the short ends, this allows for continual cross ventilation in both directions which helps keep the house cool.
The living room that features cathedral-beamed ceiling, double-sided fireplace that served as the partition from the master bedroom.
The living room that features cathedral-beamed ceiling, double-sided fireplace that served as the partition from the master bedroom.
The kitchen features a cathedral ceiling, built-in appliances, and an island with cabinets.
The kitchen features a cathedral ceiling, built-in appliances, and an island with cabinets.
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The primary bedroom is separated from the living space by a double sided fireplace within a custom wardrobe clad in steel and walnut.
The primary bedroom is separated from the living space by a double sided fireplace within a custom wardrobe clad in steel and walnut.
The primary bath flows right into the main space and has a direct connection to the exterior and outdoor shower.
The primary bath flows right into the main space and has a direct connection to the exterior and outdoor shower.
The garage is tiled similar to the bathrooms and can be converted to a cycling bunk house when needed - complete with a pair of custom built Murphy beds.
The garage is tiled similar to the bathrooms and can be converted to a cycling bunk house when needed – complete with a pair of custom built Murphy beds.
The central outdoor gathering space in between Main house and guest house.
The central outdoor gathering space in between Main house and guest house.
The bike barn is meant to imply an additive construction over time to the guest house.
The bike barn is meant to imply an additive construction over time to the guest house.
The colors blended with the site so that the house and landscape become unified.
The colors blended with the site so that the house and landscape become unified.
The Main House and a Guest House with Bike Barn joined in the middle by a central outdoor gathering space anchored by a fireplace.
The Main House and a Guest House with Bike Barn joined in the middle by a central outdoor gathering space anchored by a fireplace.
The garage has photovoltaic panels while the bike barn is clad in thermally treated wood.
The garage has photovoltaic panels while the bike barn is clad in thermally treated wood.
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Jon Dykstra
Jon Dykstra

Jon practiced law before launching his online publishing career, bringing analytical rigor to everything he builds. Home Stratosphere combines that precision with a lifelong obsession with residential design — architecture, interiors, landscape, and furniture.

His current focus is AI-driven design analysis, using artificial intelligence to study patterns in color, layout, and material choice across thousands of homes. His Personality Type Home Design Guide applies personality frameworks to interior aesthetics, helping readers design spaces that reflect how they actually think and live.

His favorite piece on the site is the 25 Most Popular Designs, is a daily-updated ranking of the top designs over the last 30 days, driven entirely by visitor activity. The feedback is invaluable for understanding what resonates most with readers. LinkedIn

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