Greg Wilson, George Cott, William Speer

Otdoor under cover dining with exterior kitchen AXIOM PHOTOGRAPHY

A penthouse living room area dramatizes the ocean view with a clean lined, modern take on design.

Mid Century Modern Eichler-esque Remodel Liz Rusby and Minh Tran

Carol Kurth Architecture, PC and Marie Aiello Design Sutdio, Peter Krupenye Photography

A sculptural statement in its own right, this concrete-and-glass “Gallery House” was designed to showcase the owners’ art collection as well as the natural landscape. The architecture is truly one with its site: To the east, a sheltering wall echoes the curve of a crowded cul-de-sac, while to the west, the design follows the sweeping contours of the cliff—ensuring privacy while maximizing views. The architectural details demanded flawless construction: Windows and doors stretch floor-to-ceiling, and minimalist reveals define the walls, which “float” between perfect shadow lines in the long T-shape foyer. Ideal for entertaining, the layout fosters seamless indoor-outdoor living. Amenities include four pocketing glass walls, a lanai with heated floor, and a partially cantilevered multi-level terrace. The front courtyard sequesters a frameless glass entry. From here, sight lines stretch through the house to an infinity pool that hovers between sky and sea.

Our brief was to provide a link from the ground floor of this Victorian House within the Harrogate conservation area, which, due to the sloping site, is a full storey above the garden at the rear of the house. The existing kitchen/dining area has been linked with the garden via a floor-to-ceiling curved glass and steel extension, providing space for sitting and enjoying views of the landscaped garden at both the lower ground and ground floor levels. Both the roof and mezzanine are punctuated by circular glazed openings, and the staircase linking the two levels is constructed from steel with timber treads and a frameless glazed balustrade.

Le salon orienté vers l'insert Tapis le Monde Sauvage- Béatrice Laval Photo©Bertrand Fompeyrine

Allison Cartwright

Frédérique SAMSON

This bedroom consists of four zones; the main sleeping area with the TV hidden behind the curtain, the reading area of a very low armchair, the make-up desk area that is not visible in this shot and the dressing area. Photographer: Philip Vile

The Tice Residences replace a run-down and aging duplex with two separate, modern, Santa Barbara homes. Although the unique creek-side site (which the client’s original home looked toward across a small ravine) proposed significant challenges, the clients were certain they wanted to live on the lush “Riviera” hillside. The challenges presented were ultimately overcome through a thorough and careful study of site conditions. With an extremely efficient use of space and strategic placement of windows and decks, privacy is maintained while affording expansive views from each home to the creek, downtown Santa Barbara and Pacific Ocean beyond. Both homes appear to have far more openness than their compact lots afford. The solution strikes a balance between enclosure and openness. Walls and landscape elements divide and protect two private domains, and are in turn, carefully penetrated to reveal views. Both homes are variations on one consistent theme: elegant composition of contemporary, “warm” materials; strong roof planes punctuated by vertical masses; and floating decks. The project forms an intimate connection with its setting by using site-excavated stone, terracing landscape planters with native plantings, and utilizing the shade provided by its ancient Riviera Oak trees. 2012 AIA Santa Barbara Chapter Merit Award Jim Bartsch Photography