Young Sohn and Mark Armenante—co-founders of software firm Vlocity—recently tossed down $7.2 million to purchase this delightful open-air contemporary in Montecito. The 2009-built home was an unusual and acutely sensitive choice.

The exceedingly warm and very optimistic house uses industrial design elements and materials, and midcentury modern spirit, for expression. It also uses its setting, and in a more direct manner than a classical modern would; the interiors taking in the dramatic Santa Ynez Mountains and the immediate landscape via glass-paned walls that surround the shared living space and roll up and away when desired. The layout divides private and common areas in a manner that is thoroughgoingly modern, though.

Material choices are classically modern, though—easily obtainable, unpretentious, and ideal as ballast for the intense naturalism of the living style. Concrete and plank augment all the glass, and corrugated steel is used for the ceilings.

In the living room, a splendidly ponderous stone fireplace anchors the home and adds rusticity; the stone may well have been sourced from the lot. Another fireplace can be spotted in the master bedroom, which features two corners in optional glass.

The nearly one-acre lot is landscaped green, using flora that will thrive in the Montecito climate. A broad patio with a fire feature and a guest house complete this unusually fine smaller estate in Santa Barbara County.

Vlocity was gobbled up by Salesforce in a $1.3 billion deal at the beginning of the year.