s u s t a i n a b l e l i f e article and photos by Kari Ruel Nestled in a canyon among the western hills of Napa County beneath towering redwood, Douglas fir, madrone and bay trees sits a magical stone and wood home that is so breathtakingly beautiful that it leaves guests speechless. Designed and built piece by piece by retired art history teacher and longtime Napa architect Jay Golik, the cave-like dwelling dances with a symphony of light as the outside world creeps in through crevices and well-placed windows. The mood and ambiance varies throughout the day depending on the angle of the sun and/or cloud cover. “Living in a cave has always appealed to me,” said Golik. “I do not know why. Perhaps it is the mystery of non-regular walls, or how light from a fire would play on the many surfaces and dance with the shadows.” That dance is what makes Golik’s 1,500-square foot home—which is basically one large room—so enchanting. He strategically placed glass and objects that reflect light to cause images to bounce around his home. “On certain nights silver moonlight could align itself with shapes on the floor and cause those forms to move as the sky orb passes overhead,” he added. “Everything is the yin/yang of the light and dark of life itself.” Though the house is not a full-on cave, Golik designed the dining area, his circular stone library and rounded stone bathroom to feel cave-like, adorned with sustainable cherry wood accent walls and a strong-beamed, high-pitched ceiling. Two lofts flank each end of the house, acting as an office and a master bedroom. Both rooms are open to the living area below, but utilize Japanese opaque half screens for added privacy. Inspired and mentored by his Aunt Ella while growing up, Golik developed a love and passion for art. Before her passing, she warned her nephew about the world. “She counseled me that the world was going to Hell and I should go home and sell the farm Stone by stone Article and photos by KARI RUEL 46 www. n A PAVA L L E Y L I F E magaz ine . c o m
NVLife_JulyAug_2013
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