Split Rock Springs Ranch

Split Rock Springs Ranch is a contemporary residence by Nielsen Schuh Architects, positioned on an upper knoll within a rugged site that spans from a mountain ridge down to a ravine. The ranch integrates olive orchards and native woodland, with the house sited among oaks, madrones, and firs, oriented to capture views across the valley toward the coastal range. The building preserves the crown of the knoll by tucking into the slope, with its composition and siting shaped by the topography and surrounding landscape. The house is arranged as two offset pavilions: one containing the main living spaces and a master bedroom, the other accommodating a guest room paired with an outdoor kitchen. Approaching from the drive, translucent glass walls frame the entry sequence, which leads to a central pool terrace. The main house opens directly onto this terrace, while the guest pavilion is oriented for privacy. Broad roof overhangs, supported by repeated pi-shaped steel frames, provide shelter from seasonal sun and rain. An off-grid solar photovoltaic array is set discreetly below the house, following the contours of the south-facing slope.