The Profound Delight In Personal Expression

THIS NEW HOUSE IN SAUSALITO MIGHT BE CALLED “GREENE & GREEN”: IT’S A CALIFORNIA ARTS & CRAFTS REVIVAL DESIGN INCORPORATING THE PRACTICES OF SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE AND UNIVERSAL DESIGN.

- Brian D. Coleman

The couple’s early 20th-century house in Sau-salito came with an empty lot in the rear, which they recognized as the ideal spot to build their retirement home. Amy Tan, a well-known novelist, and her husband, Lou DeMattei, a tax lawyer, worked with Michael Matsuura of Michael Rex Architects to imagine a light-filled retreat. All of them were inspired by Arts & Crafts-era California architects Greene & Greene, who designed Asian-inflected homes in harmony with nature. This lot has a sylvan setting, with century-old live oaks and spectacular views of Richardson Bay.

The house would incorporate the accessibility concepts of universal (or inclusive) design to make later years easier to navigate. Clients and architect also championed sustainability for the construction and maintenance of the new house, which is built with recycled and “green” materials including bamboo. The roof is overplanted with drought-tolerant succulents. A “live roof” is naturally fire-resistant, reduces noise, and prevents runoff—and it creates a more attractive view from higher ground.

The site was steep and small, so construction began with excavation to keep the building height low, which avoided impact on neighbors’ views and satisfied strict local ordinances. Main living spaces—living and dining areas, the kitchen— would be on the highest level to take advantage of the views and light. Bedrooms and offices would occupy the middle level, overlooking the bay, while the garage and storage spaces would be on the lowest level.