Carved out from the slope, California House maximizes the benefits of the surrounding environment and climate, avoiding the necessity of artificial cooling and heating. The mass of the mountain surrounds the lower stories on three sides. The earth protects the house from the wind and the sun, acting as natural insulation, so the bedrooms on the lower levels stay at a comfortable temperature year-round. The roof of the lower volume is topped with nine inches of soil, and one-foot-thick concrete retaining walls eliminate air leakage.

The house rarely requires mechanical air conditioning, reducing energy usage. Supported by cantilever beams and a system of columns that address the site’s seismic conditions, the roof of the glass pavilion not only appears to hover but also accommodates enough solar panels to power the house and produce enough energy to sell the surplus back into the grid.