
Landscape Moments – The Sanctuary by Feldman Architecture
When you think of a zen temple you tend to think of the beautiful garden moments that surround the building itself. Left in your mind is not usually a picture of the structure or interior rooms, you are most vividly remembering the viewing moments peering at the garden through the large windows or shoji doors.
Feldman Architecture has implemented both Western and Eastern design principles quite masterfully to create this fusion house titled ‘The Sanctuary’ in Palo Alto, California.
Guests here are led through a series of courtyards and viewing gardens that weave through the building. Each space has its own specific landscape moment, making for a wonderful collaboration between indoor and out.
The structure itself is elevated off of the ground to create this dialogue with the trees in the area and protect the roots below. The ‘rain chains’ on the roof’s edge, the pebbles, rocks and planting all point toward a Japanese influence, but the interior with the large expanse of space are more western in nature.
One of my favourite parts of this build is the careful consideration o f material. Wood, metal, glass and concrete are all present and intertwine perfectly. Nothing overpowering the build. This home really is a sanctuary, a place to retreat in to your own world and find some peace.