700 PALMS RESIDENCE
@Erhard Pfeiffer

700 Palms Residence

Ehrlich Architects as Architects

This sustainable residence 1 km from the Pacific Ocean responds to the bohemian spirit of Venice, California, while maximizing volume, light, and privacy on a narrow lot. Raw, honest materials fit in with the grittiness of the local environment; the maintenance-free exterior of Cor-ten steel, Trex, copper, and stucco weathers naturally, while interior surfaces are left unpainted.


The house dissolves the barriers between indoors and out, creating flexible spaces that take advantage of the benign climate. Built on an urban infill lot, the compound’s orientation toward its lively neighborhood is friendly while garden courtyards afford privacy.


Space is calibrated within the house for maximum efficiency and dramatic impact. The low entrance explodes into the 5-meter-high main living/dining area. A glass bridge hung from narrow steel cables spans the volume, connecting two small second-story bedrooms with floating stairs to the master suite and study on the third floor.


The house is strikingly transformative, with large expanses of glass that open on three sides, with a combination of pivoting, sliding, and disappearing pocket doors. On sultry days the house, which has no air-conditioning, is a cool and breezy pavilion. A steel exoskelton is fitted with electrically-operated canvas shades that open and close to temper the sun and turn the pool court into a sheltering tent.


Radiant floors indoors and in the outdoor concrete platform heat efficiently, and roof photovoltaics harness the energy of California’s abundant sunshine. Water-efficient irrigation systems and drought-resistant plantings are installed in the courtyards.

Read story in PortuguêsEspañolItalianoFrançais and Deutsch

Products Behind Projects
Product Spotlight
News
10 public buildings that demonstrate architectural applications of precast concrete
27 Mar 2024 Specification
10 public buildings that demonstrate architectural applications of precast concrete

Precast concrete is made by casting concrete in a reusable mold. These molds are made of various mat... More

Sameep Padora and Associates creates a flowing, organic art center in southern India
26 Mar 2024 News
Sameep Padora & Associates creates a flowing, organic art center in southern India

Mumbai-based Sameep Padora & Associates (sP+a) has completed Hampi Art Labs in Toranagallu, a vi... More

Introducing Partner Thermory AS
26 Mar 2024 Partner News
Introducing Partner Thermory AS

Thermory AS offers a diverse product range that includes durable exterior cladding, decking, interio... More

Brooklyn Tower by ShOP Architects showcases a unique materiality
25 Mar 2024 News
Brooklyn Tower by ShOP Architects showcases a unique materiality

Brooklyn Tower, standing an impressive ninety-three stories tall with a unique neo-deco crown, is al... More

Doriana Fuksas, Martin Lesjak, Li Xiang and Steven Wright join Archello Awards 2024 jury
25 Mar 2024 Archello Awards
Doriana Fuksas, Martin Lesjak, Li Xiang and Steven Wright join Archello Awards 2024 jury

Doriana Fuksas, Martin Lesjak, Li Xiang and Steven Wright have been announced as Archello Awards 202... More

Detail: Pleated facade geometry of Bonfiglioli HQ by Peter Pichler Architecture
21 Mar 2024 Detail
Detail: Pleated facade geometry of Bonfiglioli HQ by Peter Pichler Architecture

Designed by Peter Pichler Architecture, the new Bonfiglioli Headquarters is located in Calderara di... More

Introducing Partner Linea Light Group
21 Mar 2024 Partner News
Introducing Partner Linea Light Group

Linea Light Group is an Italian company known for its innovative lighting solutions. The company off... More

New infill apartment building in Prague reflects an industrial heritage
20 Mar 2024 News
New infill apartment building in Prague reflects an industrial heritage

Iconik is a residential apartment building in the Karlín neighborhood of Prague. Designed by... More