Pasadena, California, USA
Santa Monica-based Montalba Architects designs a single-family house that sits on a hillside overlooking Pasadena and its adjacent mountains.
The layered volumes step downhill, creating open spaces between the structures for integrated planting areas, covered terraces, and dual linear water features for passive cooling.
The project has been awarded a 2021 International Architecture Award by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies.
This new 4,200-square-foot house is made up of several distinct living volumes and programs.
In response to the client’s desire to retain a significant portion of the existing flat pad between adjacent slopes, the volumes are stacked to create a rotating series of rectangular masses abutting the hillside, each with its own take on indoor/outdoor space.
Outdoor breezeways, porches, courtyards, covered walkways and an immense rooftop deck extend the reaches of the limited floor area to the natural chaparral and views beyond.
The house includes guest suites, a home office, gym, and theatre screening room, as well as abundant outdoor spaces, all taking in views of the surrounding hills and valley.
LR2’s programmatic elements peel away from the primary group of building blocks and shift to follow the rough slope of the hillside terrain.
The intended entry sequence flows with the landscape, guiding visitors along a reaching sidewalk that extends under the mass of the building.
The compression of the resulting space offers a unique arrival experience incorporating the natural creek just beyond the front door, which is nestled on the second floor.
Following the natural grade, the front stairs create an arching path to a bridged entry portal, all the while showcasing panoramic views of the house.
As the front door opens, the dark, angular facade of paneled concrete gives way to a light-filled interior of softwood and bright white finishes.
Upon entering, visitors find themselves within an indoor/outdoor living space; framed views of the exterior landscape bathe visitors in natural light and immerse them in the natural world outside.
Once inside the residence, stairs descend to a private screening room or ascend to the third-floor living spaces.
A series of open terraces mirror the interior living quarters, encompassing almost as much outdoor space as the enclosed third-floor footprint.
Project: LR2 Residence
Architects: Montalba Architects, Inc
Landscape Architects: EPT Design
Lighting Designers: Sean O’Connor Lighting
Interior Designers: Brandon Quattrone
Client: Private
Contractor: Sarlan Builders
Structural Engineers: John Labib and Associates
MEP/FP Engineers: PBS Engineers
Contractors: Sarlan Builders
Civil Engineers: Orlando and Associates, Inc.
Waterproofing Consultants: Roofing and Waterproofing Forensics, Inc.
Surveyor and Soils Engineers: Irvine Geotechnical, Inc.
Photographer: Kevin Scott
