Private Residence
Sacramento River Delta, California

This striking home is located on one of the many islands within the Sacramento River Delta. The site, immediately adjacent to the Sacramento River and it’s levee system, presented both natural and regulatory challenges.

The owner wished to maximize the site’s expansive views of the river and surrounding island, and flood plain regulations mandated that all habitable areas be located a minimum of 20 feet above grade. In addition, all construction materials susceptible to flood waters were required to be impermeable. This precluded any wood construction below the defined flood elevation.

LDA Partners’ solution utilizes a steel-framed platform as a “foundation” for the main residence. This platform is supported by a steel-braced frame assembly that surrounds a masonry garage and entry core. A three-story entry stair and passenger elevator are housed within a circulation spine that is constructed of steel framing, masonry, and steel siding.

An exterior deck is cantilevered on three sides of the single-level residence. The deck is connected to the adjacent levee by a steel bridge truss spanning approximately 60 feet. This provides pedestrian access from the adjacent levee road and can serve as a means of escape in case of a flood.

Low-maintenance recycled steel was used in the fabrication of framing, siding, roofing, and railing supports.