Pavilion in the Oaks | California, USA

Quiet retreat

The project was conceived as a serene extension of a family home, offering a place for movement, relaxation, and quiet retreat.

 

Design Philosophy

Set among mature trees, it balances openness with a sense of refuge, creating an environment shaped by light, calm, and connection to nature. Positioned above the sloping terrain, the pavilion touches the ground lightly, supported by slender columns. Existing trees are preserved and incorporated into the outdoor spaces, reinforcing the sense of immersion in the landscape.

 

 

Spatial Organization

The structure forms a counterpart to the existing residence, defining an outdoor courtyard used as a central gathering space. Inside, the rooms are arranged around a warm, timber volume, with expansive openings that allow the surrounding landscape to frame each interior area.

The 1970s stucco-clad suburban home is connected via a bridge leading to the pavilion, which includes areas for exercise, rest, and small-scale gatherings. A fitness room, sauna, bathroom, and flexible multi-purpose space are linked to the house by a bridge. The elevated deck extends the interior outward and creates additional zones for leisure.

Material Palette

The interior emphasizes natural tones and soft textures, allowing daylight to guide the atmosphere throughout the day. Exposed structural elements filter sunlight from above, creating subtle patterns that echo the surrounding canopy. Finally, existing redwood and oak trees puncture the new deck, structuring space as much as the walls of the pavilion itself.