Dmitri Vedensky, one of the Bay Area’s most esteemed architects, is known for tucking a house into the landscape without disturbing it at all. He designs thinking of three dimensions-absorbing into consciousness the slope of the land, the vault of the sky, the reach of the horizon, and the undulations underfoot. He knows the course of the sun, the presence of the neighbors, working with the land. And he fuses elegant design sensibility with the specifics of the site.

This is very evident when you look at 657 Lovell Avenue in Mill Valley.

Vedensky studied at Cal with Eric Mendelson and William Wurster, and was an architect working with Joseph Esherick when The Sea Ranch, a planned community located along the Sonoma County coast, was created. One of the first eco-communities in California, Sea Ranch homes are noted for having simple timber-frame structures and combining modern and local architectural styles. Vedensky served on the The Sea Ranch design committee from 1986 until he died in 1997. When you drive up to 657 Lovell, you immediately feel as if you are at Sea Ranch but in the trees.

The home at 657 Lovell is bathed in sun in a clearing in the trees. The living room becomes one with nature through the use of a large picture window that lets in the soft natural light and allows you to feel as though you are outside. It is a quiet place to read with a fire and a cup of tea and watch the winter rain. The dining room is open, communicating with the living room and kitchen. During the day, there are differing kinds of light that bathe the house.

Come see this classic example of Vedensky’s work. For more information, contact judy@marindreamhome.com.

Posted by:  Judy LeMarr