VISION
At Cebolla, we believe good architecture is both elegant and sensible.
We are inspired to take part in an evolution of the built environment in the Lake Tahoe/Truckee area. A shift in priorities is evident as our clients ask to reduce waste, to plan not in excess of their needs, and to honor the power and beauty of the natural resources of this region. We value honest and simple structure, a thoughtful and integrated response to the natural environment, and a warm, modern aesthetic.
Licensed to practice in California and Nevada, Cebolla offers complete architectural services for commercial or residential projects, including new construction, remodels or additions. Helping you define what’s important to you, we guide you through all phases of design, agency processing, and construction. Through the process we forge valuable relationships, invariably discovering a shared spirit of adventure and a love of the mountains. We consider ourselves lucky to work with great people and play in wild places!
PROJECTS
Hilltop Residence
This not-so-big house comfortably accommodates all the essentials and more in just 2,100 square feet. A thoughtful and efficient floor plan maintains spaciousness in living areas and allows structure to stack. The stair leads to a small outlook perfect for a moment of solitude. A generous overhang on the south-facing elevation is supported by playful “chopsticks”, inspired by leaning trees.
Community House
It has been an honor to work with the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation in converting an old hotel and residence in Kings Beach into social service offices. TTCF and its partner agencies, North Tahoe Family Resource Center, Tahoe SAFE Alliance, and Project MANA, are dedicated to providing integrated services and a central gathering place for our community.
Passive Solar Addition
Tucked away at the back edge of an Incline Village neighborhood, this extensive remodel/addition is integrated into its natural surroundings with a living roof and elegant yet simple forms. South-facing glazing and generous overhangs optimize passive solar heating while simultaneously creating a strong indoor-outdoor relationship.
Truckee Residence, design by Graham Baba Architects
Cebolla is a proud to collaborate with Seattle-based Graham Baba Architects and local engineers Sagan Design Group in realizing this exceptionally energy-efficient home in Truckee. Compact surface-to-volume ratio, thoughtful detailing, and minimal yet functional overhangs give this project a clean Scandinavian look.
Incline Village Remodel
This remodel takes advantage of a simple form and open floor plan. By adding a shed dormer to the main living area, existing trusses are allowed to remain structural and a spectacular view of Lake Tahoe opens up to the sky. Additional deck space was added and the fireplace was relocated to create a stronger connection between the great room and kitchen.
Ski Shop Addition
We explored a possible addition for a local ski and snowboard shop. The building was historically a gas station, so we enclosed the existing outdoor covered area and created an attractive new entry/retail space. A simple addition off the rear also provided more storage and flexibility.
Tahoe Quarterly Outstanding Mountain Home Award, design by Faulkner Architects
Before starting Cebolla Architecture, Lindy spent a decade working for some great architects and designers in the Tahoe/Truckee area. For example, she worked as a project manager for this award-winning residence in Northstar. Highly detailed construction drawings and a skilled team of builders made this project exceptional. (Images courtesy of Tahoe Quarterly and referenced with permission from Faulkner Architects.)
LAYERS
Named after the Spanish word for onion, “Cebolla” is a tribute to my first mentor, architect David Barrett (Boulder, CO).
When I was in architecture school, David sent an inspiring letter encouraging me to explore, take risks, and have fun as I was learning to design. He warned me not to get into self-limiting habits and urged me to “keep peeling back the layers of the onion.”
Twenty years later, I now know that David’s message is about more than design. It is about getting to the core, having the courage to be vulnerable, and uncovering one’s true nature. The idea of continually shedding layers, even when it’s uncomfortable, is the crux. My intention in creating Cebolla is to remain open and connected to this wisdom as it applies to architecture and all of life!
-Lindy Ekin Warner
TEAM
Lindy Ekin Warner – owner | architect
- Licensed Architect: California C30602, Nevada 5817
- NCARB Certificate (facilitates obtaining licenses in other states)
- Master of Architecture 2001, University of Washington (Seattle)
- Bachelor of Arts in Architecture 1995, Washington University (St. Louis)
A mountain girl at heart, Lindy was drawn to Tahoe for the backyard ski access and the intimacy of a small community. Beyond the desire to meaningfully serve people through her career in architecture, Lindy finds fulfillment in camping, skiing, kiteboarding, yoga/meditation, and beach travel. Her two spiritual advisers (and children), Storm and Avala, inspire her to master the finer points of sandcastle construction, worm farming, and spontaneous dance parties.
Cat Dunleavy – designer | office manager
- Bachelor of Landscape Architecture 2011, University of Georgia (Athens)
- LEED-Accredited Professional v. 2.2
After graduating from college, Cat left her hometown in Georgia to travel the country in search of a new place to call home. After a few months with repeat stops in North Lake Tahoe, she ended her search and settled into the Kings Beach community. Curious and adventurous by nature, Cat likes to try new things and is always searching for something she’s never done before. Currently, her new explorations include the art of oxy-acetylene welding and Traditional Chinese Medicine, and she finds continual joy in yoga, hiking, gardening, and ceramics.
Steve Fitzgerald – project manager | Revit lead
- Nevada Residential Designer 1993-2007
- Architectural drafting and design technical graduate Phoeniz, AZ 1980
Steve brings over thirty years of architectural experience to Cebolla; his diverse background ranges from public housing projects in Alaska to large commercial structures in Las Vegas. He also founded his own residential design practice in Reno during the ’90′s. He excels in producing clean, thorough construction documentation in Revit, and even manages to do so with good humor. His two teen-aged daughters keep him in line and ensure he stays hip.
CONTACT
Visit us in the heart of Kings Beach, CA, across the street from beautiful Lake Tahoe.
Our studio is located on the second floor of the historic King Building and does not have elevator access. Accessible accommodations are easily and gladly made.
Cebolla Architecture
8401 North Lake Blvd, Suite 202
U.S. Mail: P.O. Box 2526
Kings Beach, CA 96143
Phone: 866.251.0303
Fax: 530.448.8755
admin@onionarch.com
