The three zones of the residence are distinctly identified by the change of exterior materials: smooth plaster (LIVE), cement board panels (WORK) and ipe wood slats (REST).  Spatial organization is coupled with concept of shaping the interior space as a museum canvas to showcase the owner’s unique contemporary art collection.

In maintaining a single level open floor plan concept, the perimeter of the residence’s lot is wrapped by vertical and pocket gardens strategically placed to offer privacy from the neighbors and intimate outdoor rooms that extend seamlessly between the indoors and outdoors. A series of large glass doors directly connect the living room to the landscaped patio to encourage indoor-outdoor living afforded by Southern California’s temperate climate.

The addition of clerestory operable windows, skylights and placement of glazing throughout allows passive heating and cooling of the house.
Use of glazing in every room creates a strong connection both visually and physically with the outdoors and artfully captures horizontal framed views of the sky and vertical framed views of the surrounding gardens.  Southerly exposed windows integrate cantilevered wood trellis overhangs to offer sun control and minimize heat gain while allowing desirable indirect light into the house.

The front garden features a series of broad, inviting terraces that anchor the house to its sloping site. Sculptural, drought tolerant succulents complement the clean lines of the home. Permeable, decomposed granite paving replaced the lawn and a gravel drain at the edge of the driveway ensures minimum runoff from the property. The entry courtyard is a transitional space that creates privacy and security that allow the front doors to remain open for ventilation to take advantage of the coastal breeze.

The rear garden contains a public zone for dining and entertainment and a private zone for reading and relaxation. A tapestry hedge creates a colorful textural backdrop and provides privacy from neighboring properties.

The exterior skin is a rainscreen assembly consisting of long lasting, low maintenance, ventilated ipe wood and recycled-content cement board siding providing moisture control and superior insulation.
The interior of the home integrates this natural palate though the spaces throughout with the use of modernist, simple forms and natural, warm materials of wood, stone and glass.

The project combines progressive design with environmentally friendly, sustainable building practices to meet the USGBC’s LEED Silver-equivalent standards. The reuse or recycling of every possible building material in demolition and construction to minimize waste and conserve resources was a key initiative.  Energy conservation strategies have achieved up to a 30% reduction in consumption of gas, water and electricity.