Architectural rendering of the Foresthill Prototype at dusk, with the low house embedded in dry grassland beneath a broad flat roof.

Foresthill Housing Study

The Foresthill Housing Study began with a developer asking how homes could be built on a very steep site without the large cuts and fills common to hillside development. The goal was to preserve as much of the existing forest and ground as possible, recognizing that major regrading changes these landscapes for generations.

Rather than using walkout basements to absorb the slope, the study lifts smaller dwellings on concrete fins and approaches them from the side. This reduces excavation and allows the existing ground to continue beneath the buildings.

Wildfire risk shaped the construction from the outset. CLT roof and floor assemblies were studied as continuous, unvented layers with fewer vulnerable cavities, while simple roof forms and the omission of gutters reduce places for pine needles and other debris to collect. The houses give up some of the area expected in a conventional hillside home, but in return leave substantially more of the site intact.

House in a deep winter landscape, with broad glazing and exterior lights against snow-covered trees and mountains.
Architectural rendering of the Foresthill Prototype showing a main house and smaller detached pavilion set among ponderosa pines, with rooftop solar panels and a long raised pool.
Architectural rendering of the Foresthill Prototype kitchen, with wood cabinetry and a built-in dining nook looking toward the wooded hillside.
Architectural rendering of the Foresthill Prototype living space opening toward the valley, with a wood ceiling and large west-facing glazing.
Architectural rendering of the Foresthill Prototype terrace projecting over the slope on board-formed concrete supports.
Architectural rendering of the Foresthill Prototype living room, with a masonry fireplace and floor-to-ceiling glazing opening to a terrace and distant views.
Architectural rendering of the Foresthill Prototype at dusk, with the glazed living spaces raised above the forested hillside.
Winter architectural rendering of the Foresthill Prototype surrounded by snow-covered pines, with rooftop solar panels and a raised outdoor pool.