When tasked with developing a new design to replace an existing family’s home the first thing that had to be considered was a very large, native pine tree planted decades ago which now dominated the center of the site. Although majestic in many ways the tree unfortunately put the entire site in shade and made for a gloomy interior in the existing ranch style home. In developing a new concept for a bright, warm and natural family home the first notion was to keep the tree, raise the home’s living areas up to its sunlit branches and build a tranquil courtyard around the base of the big tree. This was the first step in a design that sought to meld nature into the home’s ethos and combine it with classic California notions of being able to enjoy outdoor living year round.
The tree was to be surrounded by a new courtyard that would be layered in glass with a bridge deck passing above it to the south so as to allow sun to enter the “U” shaped courtyard. Additionally the exterior finishes were to be used on the interiors to create a pleasant confusion upon entry and a questioning of where the outside ended and the inside began. The tree also served as a leafy means to screen the home’s reverse floor plan from the street and provide a baffle for powerful afternoon sun to the west. This layering of the homes functions with courtyards, decks and plantings provided privacy where needed and opportunities to enjoy views out to the Pacific. Unfortunately this design concept was dealt a major setback when the tree began to lean and it became clear that site work would damage the shallow roots, likely killing the tree. Ultimately the difficult decision was made to remove the tree. However, the design remained, and undeterred, another 7 meter, (23’), tall Coast Live Oak tree was craned into the courtyard just prior to completion.
The ideas of nature and a natural modern aesthetic were carried further in the home and site design. This included using natural materials such as western red cedar for siding, exposed cast in place concrete for walls/floors and exposed wood beam ceilings. These materials could be left exposed and lightly finished to reveal their natural beauty and unique character. At the entry courtyard garden the layering with native and edible landscaping was continued to the street frontage and on all sides of the home.
Large, full height sliding windows up to 6 meters, (18’), wide were used throughout the home to allow the living areas to expand out to the adjacent decks and outdoor spaces.
The design of the home is a reflection on the natural environment and climate of coastal Southern California and were the key inspirations for the home’s design, structure, fit, feel and finish.
Team:
Architect: Brett Farrow Architect, Inc.
Photography: Auda & Auda Photography + Connor Newton Photography
Material Used:
1. Facade cladding: Western Red Cedar 1x6 select tight knot, tongue & groove
2. Flooring: Brazilian Oak & Blackened Concrete Slab
3. Doors: Fleetwood
4. Windows: Fleetwood
5. Roofing: TPO Membrane
6. Interior furniture: sourced from Design Within Reach
7. Cast In Place, Board Form Concrete
8. Aluminum Cladding
