64 DIGS.NET
| 9.9.22
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P R O F I L E | S T U D I O W I L L I A M H E F N E R
Crafted in a few "recurring, elemental
materials," as described in the program
notes, the architecture of Palisades Ranch
expresses a "simple American honesty."
Most prominently seen in Hefner's use
of pale Texas limestone, which "we love
because it's so pure, it almost matches
the siding," says the architect. "We liked
how that would look, and that it wouldn't
contrast much. We kept patterns simple
and subtle." Space-defining alumi-
num-framed windows accent the archi-
tecture and support the sublime sun-lit
flow between interior and exterior.
If less is more, then Palisades Ranch is
an architecture that is more interesting,
more radiant, more manifestly William
Hefner. It is an extremely clean, minimally
ornamented canvas for clients with a
collection of contemporary art they sought
to showcase. "We really wanted to keep
things neutral to place the emphasis on the
incredible views of the ocean," explains
Hefner, noting that in response the studio
used modernized traditional millwork and
minimal surface detail. "This simplicity also
allowed the art collection to stand out."
is a lower key residential project for Hefner,
but one that highlights the elements of his
deft hand and disciplined eye. "The client
was attracted to our work because of the
way we bring light into interior spaces,"
says Hefner of a studio signature. "This
house represents our core principles of
bringing in light, and we always strive to
use natural and sometimes rustic materi-
als in an elegant way," he points out. The
structure's vertical proportions are, Hefner
adds, "unique to our work."
