A house with a lot of windows/window walls?

California King: mattress a bit longer and skinnier than a normal king

California Corner: rough framing a corner to allow insulation to extend into it

California Finish: broom finish concrete with tooled edges/joints

California Cut: roof valley shingles with one side straight cut overlap

California Room: ???? I'd guess it is just a single floor, windowed, unconditioned room with a solid roof. Also known as "sunroom." In freezing locations aka "3-season room." In Florida aka "screened veranda" ("lanai" being open sided).

If you want a single room house with a bedroom loft, maybe look up "tiny house."

Check your local government to see what regulations apply. Usually at least septic requirements most be inspected. If you build on a movable trailer, you'll have less or no regulations. That's what allows tiny homes.

What is a California room? https://danver.com/blog/california-room-design-101/#:~:text=The%20short%20answer%3A%20an%20indoor,heating%20up%20the%20design%20world.

gadengal48’s posting describes them. Very common in So Cal. I have one, has a fireplace, television, dining table , sofa’s , etc Used daily, often more than our living room, since our weather very mild, springlike year around..

That is a covered patio. We have them here too and we are nearly as far from CA as you can be.

In northern Michigan it has been my experience they call it 'not worth it'.

Is it the inside space or the outside space?

California Room: ????

I assume it's a room that costs 1,000x more to construct than other rooms because it is subject to super complex code restrictions and an obnoxious permitting process. It likely includes simultaneous requirements to be energy efficient (but also entirely dependent on an outdated and ill maintained utility infrastructure), fire resistant, earthquake ready and wildlife friendly.

But seriously - I once stayed in a house in Hawaii that was similar to what you're describing (I think) - it had retractable glass walls/doors in the main living space and bedrooms that once open, provided the feeling of being entirely outdoors. I think the challenge would be balancing that feeling of openness with being able to support an upstairs (the house we stayed in was only one level) - you'd have to have some walls or rooms that remain stationary. Additionally, if you're in the mountains, you'll need to have some ability to close things off to provide protection/shelter from the elements in the colder months (and keep critters out of your home!). Also, your fixtures and finishes on the main level will need to be able to withstand being outside - essentially your flooring, paint, lighting, everything will need to be outdoor appropriate. Even though you have a "simple" design in mind, this might end up being a $$$ endeavor.

California rooms should be near Arizona rooms and close to Oregon rooms. Mebbe throw in some Pacific Ocean hallways...You're welcome!

A great many California MCM houses are just expanded versions of a California room - lots of glass and lots of sliding or folding doors that allow the outside in and the inside out, so there is an almost seamless transition between the two spaces. Most are very "green" in their design and are energy efficient with reduced heat and air conditioning costs. Pretty much ideally suited for a California climate that has moderate temps year round and few pesky insect issues.

These are not at all uncommon and require no additional permitting or construction concerns than any other type of residential structure. And unless you have some serious architectural talent involved in their design, do not necessarily come at a higher cost.

I agree with Garden Gal this doesn’t seem to be a big deal. Lots of homes have indoor/outdoor spaces well connected that are flexible. But how do you mean stand alone? You basically want an out building you can open up to the outside easily but shut as needed?

California MCM houses is the term. Thank you