Wicked & Weird: Amazing California home from Aidlin Darling Design

I am fascinated by Californian architecture. Not that there isn't amazing architecture all over the world, but in California it is so concentrated; the amazing climate and outstanding scenery hold possibilities that draw oodles of creative, talented architects, and there is an abundance of people with pots upon pots of money to spend on vanity projects (like a residence). The result is design-lover heaven! Of course there are many, many styles of architecture to be found in California, but my personal obsession are the projects that mix inventive design with existing natural beauty in unconventional and inspiring ways. Also, I love that although not all of them are eco-conscious/green designs, a large percentage of them incorporate elements like solar heating and energy, rain-water runoff cisterns, and living roofs. This one, designed by Aidlin Darling Design, is built around a "rammed-earth" wall built of native earth. From their website:

Placed between a forested mountain and rolling vineyard, a rammed-earth wall demarcates the primary spaces of this single-story house. Built of native earth and woven among existing trees, this monolithic wall anchors the building structurally, ecologically, and experientially. Floor-to-ceiling glass completes the building envelope and captures panoramic valley views. The glass and earth walls work together to orchestrate indoor-outdoor living and to provide passive heating and cooling.