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Panorama
Redlands, CA

The home takes its inspiration from the classic California modern style with an emphasis on orientation and sustainability.  Located on a north facing ridge in Redlands California, this net-zero single family residence is designed to take full advantage of the unique site conditions.  The site offers a stunning view of the San Bernardino Mountains and surrounding vistas.  

The hilltop site allows the home to be oriented on the desirable east-west axis.  The plan retains a thin profile to allow maximum views, cross ventilation and ample natural light.  The north elevation opens to a panoramic view of the scenic mountains while the south side of the home’s broad overhang protects the entry court from the hot summer sun.  The standing seam metal roof hosts an array of solar panels taking full advantage of the southern California sun.   

The three story home acts as a thermal siphon, taking cool air from the basement level and directing it through the open stair tower to the first and second floors.  Smooth stucco and horizontal cedar complete the exterior materials for a warm and modern composition.  A large deck is cantilevered on the north side to enjoy stunning mountain views. 

La Sonora, 
Malibu, California

Located in an older beach community in Malibu California, this home is a replacement for the prior home lost to the Woolsey Fire in 2018.  The family lived in the home for over 40 years and it was important to get them back home as soon as possible.
 
The new home echoes the mid-century modern design of the former, but with many updates. A simple, natural palette of materials was desired, respectful of not only the homes proximity to wild California chaparral, but also to the family’s budget.  

The public spaces of the home were vaulted to take advantage of the natural light.  Wood floors, slate and tile were the primary materials, chosen for their inherent warmth and low maintenance.  A heavy emphasis was placed on fire resistant construction throughout. Smooth stucco was chosen on the exterior to reinforce the crisp detail of the modern doors and windows.  Stone, metals and cementitious materials and were used to further protect against fire. Fire resistant landscaping and a concrete fence system wrap the property and a high-pressure water line was provided in the event of another fire. 

Efficiency and cost were paramount in the design leading to a 9 month construction period at a cost of $375.00 per square foot.   In a community that will take years to recover, this home was the 6th to be completed after the fire.  

La Isla de la Vista
Malibu, California,

Located on a stunning 2 acre hillside in Malibu California, this home was designed to take full advantage of view, natural light and ocean breezes. 

The original home was destroyed in the 2018 Woolsey Fire.  The owner is an artist whose work is focused on the environment.  A primary request was that the home be respectful of the site and showcase the ocean views from Catalina to the Channel Islands.
 
The design of the home was an enjoyable collaboration where many of the original aspects of the home were reimagined in a new plan   An efficient “H” shaped floor plan, consisting of 2 long bars, joined by a glass entry foyer, provides an almost transparent feel, with ocean views and breezes available from 3 sides of each room. Large windows and doors were employed throughout to help reinforce the connection between the indoor and outdoor environment.  Exterior courtyards in the north and south allow for outside entertaining throughout the year.  The second-floor art studio boasts a solid oak floor, north-facing skylights and a private office.
 
A standing seam metal roof, metal stairs and exterior canopies reflect the industrial studio aesthetic, while providing the necessary fire-resistant envelope.    An interior material palette of concrete floors, natural stone & hand-made tile provide an eclectic mix of utility and craft desired by the artist in residence.
 
 

PCH Beachfront Renovation
Malibu, California

Years of the harsh coastal environment called for the renovation of an existing home in the Carbon Canyon area of the Malibu.  This beachfront home, oringinally designed in the 1970's needed a complete interior and extrerior update.

Exterior improvements included all new plaster, windows, doors and skylights.  New folding doors were added to enjoy the ocean location and the deck was updated for beach-front views.  The existing building structure was reinforced to meet the latest stringent Californina building codes and mechanical systems were updated to provide for a more balanced and energy efficient indoor  environment.

Plaster walls, wood and tile flooring provide a relaxedand durable low-maintanance interior.  All new smart-home electronics and security systems will bring this home for 21st century living. 

The project is currently under construction and will be complete in summer 2024.




 

Open in Irvine
Irvine, California

The owners of this develpment home wer
e looking for ways to incorporate their unique lifestyle within the boundaries of their limited lot. The Kitchen/Dining area did not work for their growing family and home had no meaningful connection to the outside. 
 
The solution was to completely open the rear wall allowing for a full sliding glass door and window system between the kitchen and backyard.  The new 21 foot opening called for extensive structural upgrades to the home, an expense worth it and central to the desired lifestyle. 

Renovations to the existing kitchen and dining room included a new quartite island, panty and a wall of metallic tile.  A challenging project, but in the end, completed their vision for the southern California lifestyle they so desired. 

 

Calamesa Remodel
Calamesa, California
 

The location of this project was on a high hill at the base of the San Bernardino National Forest.  The existing home was purchased by two very busy physicians and their 5 children.  The large home found enough living space for everyone, but lacked a central gathering space and did not take advantage of the surrounding mountain views.

The existing kitchen and dining rooms were small and disconnected. Dark wood cabinetry, little prep space and lack of natural light contributed to a flat and dreary nature of the space.  

The remodel maintained the basic exterior footprint, but interior walls were removed to allow for a generous kitchen/dining area.  The new kitchen would be the perfect central point, however, it was paramount that there would be a separate space for “homework” time while preparing for the family dinner.   

The solution was to provide a large 2-level central island that would function for meal preparation below and dining above.  The 21-foot-long island culminated with a circular dining table to allow for face to face family meals.  The exterior walls were opened with expansive windows and a separate counter was designed for pre-dinner homework discussions.   The design also provided ample storage within the island and an enclosed pantry.

A small concealed workstations was added around the corner from the kitchen where both doctor parents could take emergency calls with minimal disruption to family time.  



 

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