Architecture is often a battle against nature, but for Mary Ann Schicketanz, it’s a rigorous collaboration. Located within The Preserve—22,000 acres of protected California wildland—the Preserve I Home is a masterclass in “stealth” architecture. This intergenerational compound, designed for Schicketanz and her son’s family, proves that high design can coexist with the most stringent ecological constraints on the planet.

The project’s brilliance lies in its execution. To protect the ancient oak stands and faunal corridors of the Los Padres National Forest, Schicketanz bypassed traditional construction for modular fabrication. Partnering with Method Homes, the three structures—a 2,500-square-foot main house, a 1,200-square-foot ADU, and a garage—were precision-built off-site. This cut the timeline by 50%, slashed costs by 25%, and allowed the entire compound to be craned into place in just seven hours, leaving the meadow’s delicate ecosystem virtually untouched.

Beyond its footprint, the home is a powerhouse of energy autonomy. The compound is fully electric, powered by a photovoltaic system that generates a massive 179% of its annual energy needs. Utilizing Passive House methodologies, high-efficiency heat recovery, and optimized solar orientation, the home stays thermally balanced with minimal mechanical help. It isn’t just a residence; it’s a replicable prototype for the future of low-impact, multigenerational living. Schicketanz has designed a home that doesn’t just sit on the land—it honors it.

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