Laurel Hills Residence

Climate Action Award

Comprising three pavilions interconnected by glass hallways, this single-story residence constitutes an enclave of tranquility. The guest pavilion, enveloped in Western Red Cedar, establishes a datum line that unites the more expansive living and sleeping pavilions, distinguished by their use of oversized charcoal-colored board, batten extira, and cement board siding.

Designed for uninterrupted entertainment, the fluidity between the kitchen, breakfast room, and family room creates a harmony of transparency and lightness. Concurrently, layered sightlines and large pocketing doors foster a sense of connection with the environment. This architectural approach goes beyond the structure confines, extending and pushing the boundaries of the living experience into the landscape by creating outdoor rooms. This seamless integration of exterior and interior spaces reflects a deep respect for Southern California’s modernist tradition, with the design blending harmoniously into the surrounding neighborhood fabric.

The design prioritizes effective site orientation, utilizing southern-facing walls without glazing or protected by overhangs to optimize energy efficiency. By opting for a single-story layout, the project prioritizes context and resource efficiency over maximization of the lot, while the large roof area accommodates a 15kW photo-voltaic system.

Surrounded by lush and mature trees, the property provides a secluded and inwardly focused experience, promoting tranquility and mindfulness.

//comments

A very nice, high-performing project that uses three simple pavilions to shape exterior rooms–a great house. | The entrance sequence with glass is beautiful. | A well-thought-out simple design with lots of formal surprises. | It meets the 2030 challenge.

//framework for design excellence measures

Measure 1: Design for Integration

The residence embodies a sustainable and seamless integration with its natural surroundings and the neighborhood. Western Red Cedar, darkly painted cement board, and glass, were deliberately chosen for their simplicity and compatibility with the context.

The design prioritizes effective site orientation, utilizing southern-facing walls without glazing or protected by overhangs to optimize energy efficiency. By opting for a single-story layout, the building benefits from shading provided by the surrounding tree canopy, while the large roof area accommodates a 15kW photo-voltaic system, contributing excess power to the city’s grid. A deep overhang mitigates solar heat gain and provides protection from sun exposure.
To further enhance sustainability, the residence features a rainwater collection system for irrigation of drought-tolerant landscaping, operable windows for cross ventilation, reflective roof surfaces, LED lighting, and high-efficiency HVAC systems.

Measure 2: Design for Equitable Communities

This project exemplifies the transformative power of equitable engagement, uniting diverse communities through architecture. Opening the doors to an AIA tour provided a platform to discuss unique design and site features not often shared in private practice, fostering dialogue and knowledge exchange. Hosting a High School benefit for the children’s school at the residence showcased a commitment to supporting education and empowering the local youth using architecture as a conduit. Additionally, an open house for the LA Design Festival extended an invitation to the broader community, promoting access to design and architectural exploration to the public.

Measure 3: Design for Ecosystems

Collaborating with our Landscape Architecture partners yielded a thoughtful integration of natural elements that fosters harmony between the built environment and nature. An inviting entry walkway, flanked by native California wild grasses, guides visitors to a serene courtyard adorned with olive trees. Throughout the site, drought-tolerant landscaping, from succulents to flowering trees, creates curated vistas of greenery visible from all interior spaces. The selection of indigenous plant species enhances the ecological balance of the neighborhood, bringing the beauty of the surrounding environment inside and contributing to a nurturing habitat for local wildlife.

Measure 4: Design for Water

Spurring out of a natural extension of the design was an approach to resource management that addresses LA’s stringent plumbing codes. Beyond compliance, we employed additional strategies to enhance water sustainability throughout the site, such as the liberal use of permeable surfaces to promote natural water infiltration, reducing runoff, and replenishing groundwater. A rainwater collection system irrigates the drought-tolerant plantings that minimize water demand, contributing to resilient landscapes. Furthermore, the project adopts recycled water for irrigation, minimizing potable water usage. This holistic water management approach fosters responsible water stewardship, ensuring harmony with the environment.

Measure 5: Design for Economy

Mindful of material and resource scarcity, we employed a minimal palette sourced from local vendors and suppliers, aligning with our commitment to sustainability. The project, thoughtfully scaled for a single-family residence in a bustling metropolitan area, addresses the urgent need for open spaces. By prioritizing multi-functional programmed spaces, we reject the notion of a mansion aesthetic in favor of practicality and purpose. This approach not only optimizes resources but also enhances the perceived spaciousness of the residence, effectively doubling its perceived size while maintaining a modest footprint.

Measure 6: Design for Energy

The project prioritizes effective site orientation and energy efficiency. Southern-facing walls are thoughtfully designed without glazing or protected by overhangs to optimize energy consumption. The single-story layout takes advantage of natural shading from the surrounding tree canopy, while a 15kW photo-voltaic system on the roof contributes excess power to the city’s grid. Limited LED lighting further reduces energy consumption and high-efficiency glazing maximizes daylighting. A carefully designed deep overhang mitigates solar heat gain and provides essential protection from sun exposure. Additionally, reflective roof surfaces help minimize cooling demands, complemented by a high-efficiency HVAC system with efficiently insulated wall conditions.

Measure 7: Design for Well-Being

Surrounded by lush and mature trees, the property provides a secluded and inwardly focused experience, promoting tranquility and mindfulness. With an emphasis on comfortable living, full-height pocketing operable windows provide natural light and passive cooling strategies, limiting the need to condition the spaces while fostering a seamless connection with the outdoors. Glass bridges connecting pavilions provide a moment of balance and transition from one place to another. The 40-foot-long pool and spacious outdoor seating areas create serene outdoor rooms perfect for outdoor entertaining and peaceful contemplation.

Measure 8: Design for Resources

The selection of exterior materials, including Western Red Cedar, darkly painted cement board, and glazing, embodies simplicity, minimalism, and resiliency, thoughtfully integrated within the neighborhood and natural surroundings. By opting for a single-story layout, the project priotizes context and resource-efficiency over maximization of the lot. This decision not only harmonizes the building with its environment but also provides natural canopy shading from adjacent trees. Our design is a testament to resource-conscious architecture, where simplicity and integration with nature combine to create a harmonious and sustainable living environment.

Measure 9: Design for Change

Timelessness and longevity take precedence in this project. Mindful of prevailing drought conditions, a significant portion of the site features permeable surfaces, ready to be reclaimed for irrigation, fostering an inherent resilience in the design. The project operates on a 15kw solar system, providing abundant daytime power with battery backup storage for blackouts. In such situations, cross ventilation ensures continued comfort until power is restored or evacuation becomes necessary. Materials were thoughtfully selected for their durability, minimizing the need for maintenance and replacements.

Measure 10: Design for Discovery

Our design/build endeavor proved to be an enriching journey that reinforced our core beliefs and continues to influence our work today. Early site research revealed the historical presence of an old creek on the property. This revelation inspired the creation of a glass hallway, “bridging” the guest pavilion to the living area, paying homage to the site’s geological history. Our approach exemplifies our commitment to holistic, context-based architecture, characterized by meticulous attention to detail. With each revisit, however, we continue to uncover elements that surprise and inspire, showcasing the enduring impact of this pivotal work for the firm.