Yarrow Build Inspired ~ A Sustainable Build by Ashton Kutcher & Mila Kunis

We believe that design inspiration can come from almost anywhere.

One project we're currently inspired by is Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis's home, which is situated on a glorious hilltop site perched above the storied Los Angeles enclave.

Images courtesy of Architectural Digest. Photography: Douglas Friedman.

This LA Farmhouse home has taken the sustainable building world by storm, with its architectural beauty and dedication to sustainable practices designed to complement its surroundings and make use of every asset the land provides from the ground up.

Ashton and Mila's attitude toward the project perfectly describes how many people can feel when embarking on a build - "This was either going to make us or break us" (Kunis via Architectural Digest, 2021).

THE HOME

The couple set out to build a home rather than simply a house or work of art. They wanted it to be functional and, most importantly, sustainably designed.

Created to look "like an old barn, something that had been here for decades, that was then converted into a house" (Kunis via Architectural Digest, 2021), the home equally balances a rustic aesthetic with vibrant, modern energy.

Centred around a high ceiling and open plan living, the home seamlessly flows from room to room. The structured look of the design is complimented perfectly by the organic feel of the materials used to construct it.

Large windows invite the outdoors in, while the outdoor spaces with the barbecue pavilion and pool draw you out. These work seamlessly to make the home flow between each area and nestle it naturally into the surrounding landscape.

Architect Howard Backen carefully designed each room to capture the nature surrounding the home and feed into the modern farmhouse feel of the build. It captures its surroundings beautifully, with each beam perfectly aligned to create a symmetrical pattern across each wall.

SUSTAINABLE ASPECTS:

From the beginning, Ashton and Mila sought to design and build an equally sustainable and functional home for their family. They also wanted to be as self-sustainable as possible and seek the highest quality and purity of food and water.

**Key sustainable aspects include:**
The home's sustainable features begin from the ground up, with a well being dug on the property to irrigate the land.

The couple planted and harvested corn, making the land their own miniature farm.
The home itself is entirely powered by photovoltaics, though this is cleverly hidden from view by the structure.
This solar system produces significantly more power than the property requires, and the couple hopes energy sharing will become possible to maximise its use.
Pieces within the home's interior were constructed from natural materials to give the inside an organic feel. The rugged materials are paired with pieces from their private collections to furnish the home, making the most of antique items and sustainably sourced goods to match their eco design.
The oversized windows throughout the home allow the natural light to bring the space alive and let the family fully experience everything from sunrise to sunset and a starry night sky.

WE THINK
This project illustrates how a new sustainable build can achieve a restored feel while still utilising the benefits of modern technology.

INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT SUSTAINABLE BUILDING PRACTICES?

At Yarrow Build, we believe in creating purposeful, conscious homes that consider environmental and functionality alike. We're passionate about building exceptional homes that stand the test of time and implement sustainable measures from the ground up.

With our clients, we carefully consider the materials used, design to the specifics of the land and surroundings, and create equally sustainable, functional, and beautiful homes.