- Project: House Ocho
- Architect: Feldman Architecture
- Location: United States, Santa Lucia Range near Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
- Year: 2004
- Area: 269 m2
- Photography: Paul Dyer, Claudio Santini, Kodiak Greenwood, and Roland Bishop
Tucked within the oak-draped hills of the Santa Lucia Range near Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, House Ocho by Feldman Architecture is a pioneering example of sustainable residential design. Completed in 2004, the 2,900-square-foot (approx. 269 sqm) residence showcases a masterful integration of contemporary architecture with eco-conscious strategies such as passive solar heating, natural ventilation, and living roofs.
A Design That Responds to Nature
The design of House Ocho was driven by the desire to minimize environmental impact while preserving sweeping views of the rugged landscape. Nestled into a protected nature preserve, the house is divided into a series of low pavilions, helping reduce its visual mass and merge it into the surrounding terrain. The overhanging roofs are planted with native grasses, blending the structure into the hillside while insulating the interiors.
The layout creates a flow that opens the residence outward. From the tree-lined ridge, guests move through a grove entry before descending toward a central outdoor terrace—an al fresco living room that anchors the home’s connection to the land. Nearly every room in House Ocho opens directly to the outdoors, creating a seamless relationship between inside and out.
Sustainable Features and Passive Design
Feldman Architecture implemented a variety of green design strategies that elevate House Ocho beyond aesthetic excellence:
-
Passive solar heating warms the home naturally through its orientation and thermal mass
-
Natural cross ventilation is achieved via operable windows and thoughtful room placement
-
Living green roofs contribute to insulation, reduce heat gain, and visually merge with the hillside
-
Low-impact materials were selected to reduce the project’s embodied energy
These techniques ensure comfort without reliance on mechanical systems, reflecting the firm’s long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship.
Visual Lightness, Environmental Weight
Despite its modest footprint, House Ocho feels expansive thanks to its open plan and site-sensitive design. Glazed surfaces frame the landscape, while the home’s pavilion-style configuration allows each space to orient itself toward a unique view of the terrain. The design makes the most of its natural setting while limiting visual and physical disruption.
House Ocho remains one of Feldman Architecture’s most iconic and influential projects, recognized not only for its aesthetic refinement but also for its leadership in sustainable design—long before net-zero architecture became mainstream.
