Amnesia House

Garde Hvalsøe, the Danish company renowned for its craftsmanship, has partnered with Edmonds + Lee Architects to unveil Amnesia House, a fire-resilient residential retreat set within 19 acres of rugged landscape in California’s Napa Valley. Conceived as a contemporary counterpoint to the clients’ urban residence in San Francisco, the single-storey home is defined by its horizontal, quiet siting and deep connection to the surrounding terrain. Bringing together Edmonds + Lee Architects’ environmentally driven architectural approach with Garde Hvalsøe’s refined Danish craftsmanship, Amnesia House explores material honesty, resilience and understated luxury within a wildfire-prone context.

The house is composed of two parallel gabled volumes oriented east to west, joined by a fully glazed vestibule. The entrance of the house sits at the opposite end of the pool terrace. Large openings on both façades frame panoramic views of the valley, while a deep roof overhangs, with louvres modulating light and shade throughout the day.

Edmonds + Lee Architects previously collaborated with the homeowners of Amnesia House on Remember House, a vertical, urban residential home in San Francisco. In contrast, Amnesia House was conceived as a horizontal, single-story retreat that opens outward to nature for weekend retreats, social gatherings and restful escapes. The architects envisioned a design defined by simple, organic and honest materials to coexist with the land surrounding the property, making Garde Hvalsøe a natural partner for the project.

Garde Hvalsøe fabricated the oak millwork throughout the bedrooms, private office, family room and closets. Additionally, the bunk beds and cabinets are bespoke pieces developed by Garde Hvalsøe’s Atelier department. A bespoke kitchen based on Garde Hvalsøe’s Solid model was installed, complemented further by bathroom furniture in the same material and style, providing stylistic flow and cohesion across the interiors.

The palette in the home is purposefully subdued and grounded. Terrazzo-ground concrete floors create visual continuity between interior and exterior spaces. The restrained tonality allows the changing light and surrounding landscape to define the home’s mood throughout the day. Acoustic comfort was achieved through programmatic zoning, while private areas are distinctly separated from social spaces, ensuring quiet and calm without additional acoustic treatment.

Søren Lundh Aagaard, Partner and CEO of Garde Hvalsøe, comments on the thoughtful use of materials, saying: “The use of our oak millwork throughout the home creates synergy throughout the property and coexists beautifully with the natural environment in which the property is located. We are delighted to see how our timeless Danish style can work magnificently in a contemporary environment on the opposite side of the world.

The site was previously undeveloped, presenting challenges including limited site access and a steep topography. To minimise disturbance to the landscape, the house was carefully positioned on a narrow ledge, preserving existing drainage patterns, vegetation and geological features, while adhering to slope restrictions.

Robert Edmonds, partner at Edmonds + Lee Architects, notes the surrounding area, saying: “The selected model strikes a balance between rustic authenticity and contemporary precision. Its craftsmanship feels true to the agrarian vernacular while maintaining a refined, modern sensibility that complements the architecture’s material language.”

Shaped by its rocky terrain and vulnerability to wildfire, natural and environmental considerations informed every design decision, from orientation and access to materiality and form. The home features steel cladding that enhances the architecture while providing inherent fire resistance to safeguard the property.

Designing for wildfire resilience was both an environmental and ethical imperative, ensuring longevity, safety and reduced material replacement over time. The façade’s weathering steel cladding eliminates gaps that could allow ember intrusion, while its non-combustible composition inherently resists ignition. The home also features an exterior fire sprinkler system and minimal roof penetrations, further enforcing its safety.

The furnishings were selected directly by the owner, reflecting their personal taste and lifestyle. Many of the primary pieces were sourced from Flexform. Several bespoke furniture pieces were created for Amnesia House, including the dining table and coffee table by Studio Roeper, a Napa-based maker. The overall interior composition complements the architecture’s emphasis on warmth, proportion and quiet sophistication. Natural light drives the spatial experience in the property. Artificial lighting is minimal and integrated, highlighted by a chandelier by Studio Drift, which serves as both artwork and illumination, a sculptural gesture that anchors the open-plan kitchen and dining area.

Beyond Garde Hvalsøe and Studio Drift, the project drew on a network of local builders and craftspeople, whose knowledge of Napa’s terrain, climate and traditions was essential to bringing the design to life. Together, these collaborations shaped Amnesia House into a home where refined craftsmanship meets the rugged landscape. Every detail, from materials to form, reflects a thoughtful dialogue with its surroundings, creating a space that feels both timeless and deeply rooted in place.