A Modern Lake Tahoe Retreat Melds With Its Forested Site

“I had a very clear vision,” reflects David Steele. An entrepreneur with a background in finance and ongoing ventures in the music and culinary worlds, David had kept a modest home in the Lake Tahoe area for 20 years but was ready for an upgrade. “I had an idea of futuristic pods that were separate but connected,” he explains. He also knew he wanted a local architect, someone who understood the region’s unique landscape, to realize his dream, and Clare Walton was top of his list.

“Our goal was to create a retreat-like home with transparency into the forested setting,” says Walton, recalling early site walks and conversations with David about his interest in a concrete dwelling that would celebrate the tree-filled site. “He loves the material and wanted to champion its minimalist and sculptural qualities,” she notes. To create the indoor-outdoor experience David sought, as well as to honor his concept of distinct social and private wings, Walton designed a central, glass-walled gathering space that opens on both sides to gracious terraces, one for lounging and one for dining. To the west is a wing housing an office and a gym, as well as a garage topped by a guest suite. To the east is a dramatic glass bridge leading to David’s private wing. “It creates a sense of passage,” Walton says.

“I push myself to create clear, distinct forms,” the architect continues, noting how elements like steel banding on the roof, hemlock siding and unbroken panes of glass further define the spaces. Built by general contractor Matt Heslin, the home exudes a calmness not only because of those distinct forms but because of its materiality. The concrete walls continue directly inside, as does the hemlock, used both under the eaves and for the great room’s ceiling. “There’s a mindfulness to this house,” Walton says. “Your eye can rest. It feels balanced. David really pushed us to achieve that.”

With David’s affinity for concrete, the interiors program, led by senior project architect Jennifer Loving, focused on echoing the simplicity of the architecture. “He asked for a modern yet masculine interior that would provide an oasis from city life but come alive when entertaining,” Loving explains. As David enjoys cooking, the kitchen was key. “It’s artistic,” says Loving, noting the room’s striking contrast of white oak cabinets against hemlock ceilings and concrete counters.

Because the great room lives as one space, the designer balanced the visual weight of the kitchen by designing the living area’s fireplace wall with dark steel panels. For furnishings, she worked closely with David, who leaned into low-slung Italian pieces. “The house was designed as much around the furniture as the furniture was chosen for the house,” David says.

Loving continued the minimalist approach in the primary bedroom, which is defined by a white oak headboard wall with a platform bed and floating nightstands. “It’s integrated, minimalist and quiet,” she describes. A pocket door leads to the bathroom and a secluded outdoor spa. “David was open to emphasizing certain walls and moments throughout the house, and we were able to create a lot of beautiful details while keeping to his concise program for the interiors,” she adds. “This house was designed to complement his lifestyle.”

“It’s said that people come here for the winters and stay for the summers,” David notes. And with a year-round home like this, there isn’t reason to leave. “When you can open up easily and connect with nature, it creates a sense of well-being,” Walton observes. “And we’ve blended the interiors and exteriors in such a sculptural way, it feels peaceful.”