When Nature and Architecture Merge

Widely recognized as one of the contemporary virtuosos of modern architecture and design, SWATT + PARTNERS masterfully orchestrate a symphony of architecture and topography in their extensive work...

The studio's portfolio, encompassing over 200 luxury residences and estates across California, Hawaii, Canada, India, and Spain, is unique in its focus on structures that poetically embrace the land on which they stand, often appearing as if they have always been there.

"Modernism, innovation, and tradition significantly blend in our work," notes Phoebe Wong-Oliveros, AIA, a partner in the architectural and design studio, alongside Mia Muraki, AIA, and Robert Swatt, FAIA. Principal partner Lars A. Nilson completes the leadership team.

SWATT + PARTNERS' unique projects can be described as handcrafted from start to finish: Initially, a 3-D computer simulation provides unparalleled information about the architecture and its relationship to the site. The 3-D modeling process is then translated into physical design study models—a design tool borrowed from the sculptural tradition. The scope and complexity of the studio's work mean that the construction period can be lengthy and intensely collaborative among the studio, the client, the builder, and the rest of the design team. Muraki focuses on everything that can "help clients achieve their dream environments."

The studio's characteristically expansive architectural volumes are carefully "woven into the land," as Swatt sees it. Whether it's a European cliffside or a lush wine region, the result is architecture that appears embodied and reflects the surrounding landscape. This is most evident in the firm's three latest projects, including:

Kojima House - The team blended influences from the American Midwest, as well as from East and Southeast Asia, with mid-century iconography to transform this residence situated in the lush valley of Northern California, surrounded by views of the bay and mountains.

Moss Rock - Inspired by the rocky ridge overlooking the rolling wine region, the team created striking minimalist architectural forms for this home office, which is surrounded by pristine nature and refined, human-made landscapes.

Casa Athena - Consisting of a new house and two levels of an adjacent four-story building, the team designed this residence to sit atop a steep cliff, intentionally connecting the blue sky with the deep sea.

While many of SWATT + PARTNERS' works resemble large sculptures, Swatt believes that the studio's work is "comfortably inhabitable." He emphasizes that human activity by those living in these spaces is what will, over time, give the studio's works a beautiful patina of structures that are not only well-inhabited but also stand the test of time.