California mountain house Sage Architecture

What’s not to love about a modern getaway in the mountains? This California mountain house from Sage Architecture is a mid-century modern interpretation of a vacation cabin in the woods. Named “Flight House,” the residence features a soaring cantilevered element jutting up at an angle toward the sky.

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California mountain house Sage Architecture rustic
California mountain house Sage Architecture midcentury

The name of the home is derived from both its purpose and its appearance. “Flight” refers to escaping from the monotony of daily life, but it also makes reference to the fact that the home looks like it is about to take flight.

California mountain house Sage Architecture cantilevered

The swooping curves of the roof lines are the perfect offset to the angular cantilevered overhangs on either side of the house. The cantilevers could be seen as wings while the curved roof sections represent the body of a bird.

California mountain house Sage Architecture living room
California mountain house Sage Architecture interior

Inside, the home features more gentle, curving lines. The color palette is simple and subtle, maintaining a range of natural hues. The teak, cedar, and walnut wood used in the interior was left unpainted and unstained to highlight its natural grain and coloration.

California mountain house Sage Architecture bedroom
California mountain house Sage Architecture bathroom

The two “wings” of the building house the master bedroom and a glass-walled office suspended above the ground. The home is heated with radiant flooring and is not equipped with an air conditioning system. Instead, the windows have all been arranged to facilitate cooling cross breezes.

California mountain house Sage Architecture office

Overall, the Flight House is a spectacular modern take on the well-loved traditional mountain home. It is a sculptural jewel that is not only beautiful; the architects ensured that it is also eco-friendly and easy to care for.

California mountain house Sage Architecture entrance

More from the architects

“The Flight House is a modern interpretation of a mountain home. It is set in the Martis Camp development in the high Sierras. Our client were long‐time lovers of modern architecture, with a particular affinity for midcentury modern design. This home was meant to be a place to get away from the city life, get back to nature, and ‘play together’ as a family. We named the home, ‘Flight House’ to reflect the concept of escape but also because of the curving roof lines.”