Spectacular Off-Grid House Cantilevers Over California’s Rocky Landscape

Off-the-grid homes are designed this way either by choice or by necessity. In the case of this modern guest house from Santa Barbara, it was the latter. The house was a project by Anacapa Architecture and is situated in a wildlife preserve area, one of the last remaining undeveloped coastal regions in California. It was built into a steep hillside and great importance was given to its sustainability and the relationship it has with nature. Features such as the green roof and low profile allow the house to seamlessly blend in with the landscape and to also show respect towards its surroundings.

The house was built in 2017 and has a modern but simple and low-profile design which makes it extra charming
The house was built in 2017 and has a modern but simple and low-profile design which makes it extra charming
The views over the surrounding hills are spectacular and can be admired from inside the house thanks to the glazed facades
The views over the surrounding hills are spectacular and can be admired from inside the house thanks to the glazed facades
Large decks cantilever over the rocky landscape and glass railings ensure that the views are not obstructed
Large decks cantilever over the rocky landscape and glass railings ensure that the views are not obstructed
The palette of materials used throughout the project is simple and reduced to concrete, glass and wood
The palette of materials used throughout the project is simple and reduced to concrete, glass and wood

Being situated in such a remote area, the house has no access to electricity hence its off-the-grid nature. The entire building is powered by a photovoltaic energy system and uses cross-ventilation to stay cool and radiant floor heating to stay warm when it’s chilly outside. The relationship between the house and the landscape is not limited to these features but also includes a careful selection of materials such as steel, concrete and glass on the outside and rich walnut on the inside where live edge tables and wooden ceilings create a super cozy ambiance. These allow the building to blend seamlessly into the rocky landscape. Moreover, the house offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding hills which are most impressive when enjoyed from the cantilevered decks.

The interior design is rich, warm and welcoming but also has a slight rustic-ndustrial allure
The interior design is rich, warm and welcoming but also has a slight rustic-ndustrial allure
The kitchen, dining room and living area share an open floor plan with sliding glass doors that open onto a large deck
The kitchen, dining room and living area share an open floor plan with sliding glass doors that open onto a large deck
The green roof and the house's low profile allow the building to seamlessly blend in with the landscape
The green roof and the house’s low profile allow the building to seamlessly blend in with the landscape
The house is built on a steep hillside which allows it to offer breathtaking views
The house is built on a steep hillside which allows it to offer breathtaking views
Rich walnut wood was used extensively inside, making the space feel extra warm and cozy
Rich walnut wood was used extensively inside, making the space feel extra warm and cozy
The colors are simple and in tone with nature and the surroundings, brown and gray being the main tones
The colors are simple and in tone with nature and the surroundings, brown and gray being the main tones
The architecture made sure to minimize the house's impact on the landscape but also to maximize the impact of the views
The architecture made sure to minimize the house’s impact on the landscape but also to maximize the impact of the views
Live edge wood is a constant throughout the interior design, being introduced in a variety of different forms
Live edge wood is a constant throughout the interior design, being introduced in a variety of different forms