The organization of the compound acts as a
foil to the surrounding wilderness.
This main court features the soothing sounds of the courtyard fountain and offers comfort through the intimate scale of the gathering space.
Natural plaster and waxed antique wood lend a natural warmth to interior spaces.
The clean German aesthetic works well for the compartmentalized interiors: every function has its place in the modest house.
The old world charm and warmth once found in the original structure is recreated throughout.
Nestled along a wooded slope of the Smokey Mountains, this contemporary mountain residence is framed by a series of stone walls seemingly extruded from the natural ledges of the hillside. The infilling walls of glass open out to the broad vistas of the surrounding mountain in the main living spaces of the house, while other masonry openings frame more intimate views of the landscape from the elevated main level. The master wing anchors on end of the house as a pavilion cantilevering out from its stone base, floating in the canopy of trees. As the house transects the slope, the lower level family gather spaces open onto a stone terrace set with in the natural surrounding forest, and bedrooms tuck into the supporting masonry walls of the foundations.
Perched upon a rocky cliff overlooking Lady Bird Lake and the downtown skyline beyond, this residence takes full advantage of the sweeping views. A grand outdoor living room captures the breezes and vistas and will surely be the family’s favorite gathering place. The architectural design is a sophisticated and refined interpretation of traditional Mediterranean precedent, and its thick wall of stucco and Texas limestone offer a familiar and enduring appearance.
Located is the Texas Hill Country nestled within a small bucolic sheltered valley know as Mt. Gainor. A beautiful site established by a small extant German community quickly became known as the social gathering entertainment for the community. Embracing the community with picnics, dances and barbecues all led by the local Farmers union. This family home sits at the edge of the bluff overlooking the valley. A more sophisticated central block expresses a Texas German colonial home while more rustic secondary wings echo rustic forms with Texas stone. Its relationship to the landscape and accessory structures provides a wonderful setting for the family to grow and provide lifelong memories and experiences.
Set within the foothills of the Verdugo Mountains in Los Angeles County, this new home nestles within a lush and exotic landscape. The design draws on Spanish and regional precedents, with Moroccan influences and features a projecting wood Mashrabiya typical of Islamic architecture. Andalusian houses inspired the project’s massing – a variety of scales and forms and a dynamic plan work together to create visual interest, with spaces opening to the outdoors.
While the street façade presents a calm and dignified presence, the spaces beyond have an informal and picturesque quality. Exterior stairs lead to an open-air sleeping porch, while a 1-story guest wing, loggias, and landscape elements create a dynamic setting for outdoor living and entertainment. This lively mix of one- and two-story elements brings scale to the large site, defining smaller gardens and courtyards each with a unique sense of character and place. The home aims to fit seamlessly within its historic neighborhood and achieve the client’s vision for the project – a ‘jewel box’ cloaked in mystery and delight. Through arched portals, pavilions and loggias, walled courtyards, reclaimed terra cotta, Moroccan glazed tile and hand-carved Indian marble, fantasy abounds.
