Malibu Residence

Situated on a hilltop, the residence has commanding views, East from Santa Monica to Point Dume in the West, as well as North to the Santa Monica Mountains.  The design challenge here was how to approach the residence from the view side facing toward the Pacific Ocean and not have that be the front door.  This was achieved by creating the arrival between two one story garages that open to an expansive motor leading to the entry garden and pergola.

Entering the residence, the axis of the Pergola is continued in the groin vaulted gallery leading to the Living Room.  Here, as in the other principal rooms, the views to the Pacific Ocean are “re-presented” and rediscovered, framed in large arched openings.

The classical axial planning guides the floor plans and inclusion of classical elements, Doric columns, groin vaults and arches articulates these relationships and visual reinforces them.  The classical structure of the project is adapted to the Mediterranean vernacular, grounding it to the site, and to the architectural traditions of Southern California architecture.