Proudly showcased amongst the elite finalists in the Gold Key Awards 2025, The Edes in Morgan Hill, California, is an architecturally striking innovative new mass timber building housing an art gallery, wine bar and restaurant.
The building’s twin occupants are Cura Contemporary – a flexible art gallery dedicated to artists whose process is layered and nuanced, and Véra – a chic extension of the gallery that creates a unique dining experience were waiting for a table means meandering through a specially curated gallery.
A finalist in the Specialty Design category of the awards, and a stylish celebration of sustainable mass timber construction, The Edes is located on the corner of Monterey Road and Second Street.
The building demonstrates the outstanding work of project architects, interior designers and branding professionals at KTGY, the developer Golden Quail LLC, the two building tenants, construction contractor Kent Construction and Joint Trench Utility Designer Giacalone Design Services.
A modern addition to the historic downtown corridor, The Edes’ name pays homage to the first business that occupied the site and elevates simplicity in a sophisticated and approachable design.
Completion of the building was eagerly awaited throughout its construction. Passersby witnessed the careful placement of 40-foot cross-laminated timber beams that give the building its clear spans, and signature appeal.
Embodying structure as ornament, the design of The Edes celebrates its innovative, sustainable wood structure with large cutouts and backlit glazing that give the neighborhood a peek at the warm interiors and movement within the building.
Designed to make a statement, fill an important niche and complete the pedestrian experience of Monterey Road, The Edes handily accomplishes all three goals. The building strikes a confident but gentle appearance, watching over Morgan Hill’s historic downtown.
As the area’s newest architectural feature, the design sought to both blend in and stand out. Made from sustainable, cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glulam posts and beams, all elements – from architecture to the interiors and branding – emphasize verticality and openness. The cool exterior blends with the environment and complements the warm interiors that celebrate the wood grain.
The building form began as a simple box that was strategically cut away. An asymmetrical roof line mirrors the slope of El Toro Peak. Wood slats perforate the exterior and a raised concrete foundation acts as a classical plinth for an organic, contemporary structure.
KTGY’s interior designers’ vision leaned into the natural surroundings and took full advantage of the CLT by embracing the warmth of the material and the wide interior spans it creates. Mindful of the specific requirements of a gallery space, the designers brought forward something new to match the innovative approach the architecture team had taken. Custom shelving and rotating walls accommodate a myriad of art and adjust the flow of gallery visitors, creating a flexible yet unified space.
Additionally, the first-floor gallery leads to the Véra restaurant and wine bar with modern furniture, a functional seating area and a continuation of the gallery’s art pieces.
Véra creates an intimate moment, and folding doors can expand the dining space outdoors, deepening the connection to the neighborhood. Coloring in the lines made by the architecture and interiors, KTGY’s brand designers created a sophisticated and engaging identity for the building’s twin occupants.
