Before designing the new clubhouse at Wallis Ranch, Trumark Communities’ project team scouted Northern California attractions for visual cues that would give the resort-style space a local feel. Inspired by the weathered barns, silos, and ranchers’ cottages of nearby Napa and Sonoma wine country, they came up with a plan for a relaxed but sophisticated community gathering space that appeals to residents of all ages.
Centrally located to each of Wallis Ranch’s eight neighborhoods, Kindred House’s 17,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor amenities facilitate opportunities for recreation, fitness, dining, and socializing in style. Inside, the family room lounge area is sheltered by an exposed roughsawn open-truss ceiling that provides a dramatic element symbolic of a contemporary farmhouse. The open-air pavilion contains a gourmet catering kitchen, dining area, and bar with big screen TVs. Adding to the rustic-yet-modern vibe, sandblasted concrete flooring is juxtaposed with flagstone pavers and tonal natural ledgestone accents.
The indoor space seamlessly flows onto a terrace framed by light-strung trees, water fountains, fire pits, and additional seating areas. “We blended the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, letting residents utilize and enjoy all of the spaces in an unrestricted setting,” says Selena Rodriguez, project director of CDC Designs, the clubhouse’s interior designer.
At build-out, the 184-acre neighborhood will consist of 806 single-family homes and townhomes ranging from 1,700 square feet to 4,100 square feet. It is located in Dublin, one of the fastest-growing regions in the state due to its proximity to San Francisco and relatively affordable housing prices.
In addition to the clubhouse, the project boasts a 3-acre common area that encompasses a fitness center, an outdoor yoga patio, a 75-foot-long swimming pool, a grilling station, and a creekside trail. More than half of the master plan’s acreage is dedicated to green space, including parks, fields, and a water-quality basin. A spacious event lawn hosts concert and movie nights, and plans for a community garden are underway. Sculptures by local artist Eric Powell add visual interest throughout the site, including metal gates at the entrance, metal benches placed along the trail, and an interactive element in the public park.
Trumark CEO Peter Kiesecker says Wallis Ranch—recipient of the NAHB’s 2017 Nationals Award for Community of the Year—reflects current trends in master planned projects that encourage interaction between residents. “We wanted to create a place for our residents to form connections with their neighbors and make memories with their families while enjoying the robust collection of amenities designed to create a tranquil enclave for their active lifestyles,” he says.
