Santa Ynez, CA
A 20 acre site in the Santa Ynez Valley of California dominates the landscape with extensive views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The natural environment has two distinct seasons consisting of hot summers and cold winters. the 7000 square residence is based on a grid of 25 squares. The firm's interest in the "square" and "box" along with the owner's square paintings generated the initial concepts for the home.
The project is organized around a central courtyard that divides the building into three distinct "ones" with an area for living, sleeping and working. To take advantage of the warm climate during the summer months, three outdoor rooms extend the living space. this blurring of inside and outside is achieved with the use of large sliding glass panels. This contained exterior world is juxtaposed to the outer landscape of natural grasses, shrubs and trees. The residence clad entirely in corrugated Cor-ten steel has taken on a rich brown color as it oxidizes, complementing its earthy surroundings. This project was awarded a 2007 Design Merit Award from the Los Angeles Chapter of AIA.

