Tahoe Truckee | Residential Design · Land Use Planning · Commercial Tenant Improvements · Permit Plans
AUSTIN RIDGE RETREAT
With commanding views over the entire Truckee Valley, from Northstar to Donner Summit to Sierraville, this design-build project garnered the 2024 CATT Award for Best Commercial Project.
The owner of this impressive property in Martis Peak Estates had a clear design vision - an opulent mountain retreat to share with his family, friends, as well as the community. No expense was spared - starting with the infrastructure and all of the things hidden beneath the surface, this project demonstrates what can be achieved when a tier one team is collaborating seamlessly and without hindrance.
Driveway paving, an auxiliary/back-up generator installation, an in-ground pre-fab custom pool from MODPOOLS, a raised pergola platform, firepit/patio, outdoor kitchen/bar, sports courts, and a pool barn/cabana round out the first phase of construction for this property.
AUSTIN RIDGE RETREAT
Martis Peak Estates Truckee California
NEW POOL HOUSE
IN-GROUND POOL
PERGOLA
EVENT SPACE
MASTER PLAN
DESIGN BUILD
Project Team
Designer:
MASTRIDICASA
Contractor:
CMJR Construction Inc
Structural Engineer:
Shear Force Engineering
Mechanical Engineer:
15000 Inc.
Interior Designer:
Owner
Photography:
Dave Donnelly / MASTRIDICASA
Twenty acres of serenity with views that soothe the soul...
The existing residence commands respect, jutting proudly from the landscape, with a footprint that resembles a phoenix from overhead. With a blank canvas between the house and the hillside's edge, the new owner had a clear vision.
MASTRIDICASA was given inspirational photos of the owner's favorite hangout, a popular gathering spot in Oregon. This property was to be developed into a rustic yet modern retreat for family, friends, and the local community.
Clearly, a master plan of the design vision had to be developed. The proposed improvements would require a monumental overhaul of the existing infrastructure, not only to meet the structural requirements but also to support the owner's need to implement state-of-the-art technology for remote management of the property.
EXISTING CONDITIONS
MASTER PLAN VISION
Before ground was broken, the project team, led by the owner, embarked on a thoughtful collaboration.
Walking the property over a course of many days, each team member was given a voice, and ideas were exchanged about what, where, why, and how the owner's vision could be achieved.
A multi-phased approach was needed. Starting with the existing appurtenances, all known records and previous permit documents were gathered and analyzed for potential pitfalls. Mapping the existing systems gave the design team a clear understanding of what needed to be upgraded, what needed to be abandoned and replaced, and the property's potential.
Construction equipment and materials staging, clearing and grubbing, and field locations of the improvements were of primary importance. Efficiency and precision were the name of the game here.
An emergency generator system was the first item to be installed. Next, the existing dirt driveway was paved to facilitate delivery and circulation for construction-related activities throughout the four seasons. Excavation for the centerpiece, an in-ground container pool by ModPools, began next, with everything else planned around this feature.
Being a true design-build project, accurate 3D modeling was of utmost importance, as well as an adept contractor. Much of the credit, on any project, should go to the builder. Eric Scott of CMJR Construction Inc., with decades of experience and the ability to devise and communicate on-the-fly solutions, was paramount to this project's success.
As a team, fluid collaboration was a necessity. With all the moving parts this project had, daily and weekly coordination was vital to its evolution and success.
MASTRIDICASA modeled every site feature in 3D to ensure the design vision remained on track to meet the owner's expectations. Views from every angle were scrutinized, re-imagined, and revised as necessary. The owner knew what he wanted to see, and knew it when he saw it. 3D perspectives from any vantage point he wished were developed and presented upon request. Prompt feedback and critique provided the input necessary to keep the work flowing.
Seen here is an early revision of the master plan.
MASTER PLAN VISION
BREAKING GROUND / INFRASTRUCTURE
PHASE I - IV COMPLETE
PERGOLA
POOL BARN INTERIOR
