David Wright, ArchitectSolar Environmental Architecture Group

AJ & Bonnie Toy own and operate a 160 acre vineyard near Plymouth, Ca. The ranch headquarters is a 150 year old brick building which had been outgrown and outdated. They searched throughout the state for an architect who they felt could design a complimentary addition to their home. They selected David Wright Associates because of past Sunset Magazine articles and because of adobe designs on our website.
The original structure had been remodeled after a fire in 1948, but had maintained the recessed windows, metal roof and extra thick walls characteristic of California Adobes. We extended the structure north and then wrapped it to the east and then south to create a traditional enclosed courtyard typical of historic Monterey haciendas. We added a portal porch on two sides of the courtyard and proposed an enclosing adobe courtyard wall and Ramada like trellis shade structure in the courtyard; along with herb and flowering landscaping. The overall effect is a thoroughly modern functioning hacienda commandingly sitting on a verdant hillside surrounded by lush vineyard. The exterior walls are finished in earth colored textured stucco with red brick window sills and deep set modern wooden windows suitable to the adobe look. The roof is galvanized corrugated metal and the portal is heavy raw timber construction supported by natural log columns topped with traditional carved wooden corbels. The walkways are concrete covered with natural slate tiles.
Inside, the interior is brightly lit with view focused windows and strategically located skylights. The plaster finished walls have an old world textured look and the floor is concrete and tile. The vaulted ceiling is composed of exposed beams with white colored textured plaster. The exterior walls and roof are made with structural insulated panels (SIPs). The interior decor is a work in progress and we look forward to getting some photographs.
The Toys are delighted with the old world charm and modern function of this beautiful hacienda. This is a living testimonial of the possibilities for breathing new life and beauty into older outdated structures.