Built into a grassy hillside and situated facing an old-growth oak grove in Northern California, Watershed Nature Retreat is an architectural expression of the desire to connect with the outdoors. Three guest rooms are joined with a shared gathering space and large communal kitchen. This micro-retreat balances architecture and hospitality with the wildness of nature – offering guests the opportunity to end days spent hiking in a serene setting overlooking the property.

All spaces have private decks – each purposely angled and shifted relative to the next to maximize privacy between units. Bathrooms, built-in furniture, and storage are located in a central wood core, a box within a box configuration. This hyper-efficient layout offers all the amenities and hospitality expected of a high-end resort or hotel, without disrupting the delicate relationship to the land. The architecture is massed to flow along the undulating hills to minimize impact on the land. Paths lead directly from the retreat’s guest rooms to a sprawling network of trails through the oak grove.

This project balances hospitality with independence and connection to nature. Born from the clients’ desire to host large groups as well as individuals, this northern California retreat is perfect for a solo adventure or group experience. The architecture provides spaces for private contemplation and access to nature in addition to large gathering spaces for socializing.