Studio Schicketanz's The Preserve I: Sustainable Prefab Compound in Carmel
Mary Ann Schicketanz, the creator of Studio Schicketanz, has crafted The Preserve I, a residential complex intended for her family and her son's family, situated on a five-acre parcel within a 22,000-acre cattle ranch in Carmel, California, overseen by the Santa Lucia Conservancy. This compound features a primary residence of 2,500 square feet, an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) measuring 1,200 square feet, and a garage of 900 square feet, all constructed without the removal of trees. The main house showcases light horizontal timber, while the ADU is finished in dark charred wood. Both buildings operate entirely on electricity, utilizing solar energy that surpasses local requirements, and emphasize natural airflow and daylight, incorporating shared infrastructure such as electric vehicle charging to reflect sustainable design values.
Key facts
- Studio Schicketanz designed The Preserve I in Carmel, California.
- Mary Ann Schicketanz built the compound for herself and her son's family of four.
- The site is a five-acre parcel from a former 22,000-acre cattle ranch.
- The compound includes a 2,500 sq ft main residence, 1,200 sq ft ADU, and 900 sq ft garage.
- Mature oak trees dictated placement; no trees were removed.
- Exterior materials: pale horizontal timber and dark charred wood.
- Method Homes used off-site fabrication for precision and minimal disruption.
- The compound is all-electric with solar, battery storage, and heat recovery ventilation.
- Shared solar infrastructure provides 179% of community power needs.
- The site is managed by the Santa Lucia Conservancy with strict environmental rules.
Entities
Artists
- Mary Ann Schicketanz
Institutions
- Studio Schicketanz
- Santa Lucia Conservancy
- Design Review Board
- Method Homes
Locations
- Carmel
- California
- United States