meticulously structured plans that are then developed
into distinct and sculptural forms," Haefelfinger
explains, "We create interior and exterior spaces
that flow seamlessly, creating a strong connection to
the landscape." Adds Utterstrom, "Our designs are
developed using innovative and refined materials
implemented at the highest level of craftsmanship;
we design with the ideology that advanced structural
strategies and sustainable technologies are the key
to creating buildings for the future." Here that meant
indoor and outdoor spaces that would work in tandem
to exploit the home's incredible sight lines, offering a
sense of awe and majesty.
From the street, the 15,000 square foot house, located
on a 27,000 square foot lot poised at the end of a cul-de-
sac, seems to be two interconnected boxes, one in a
rough puzzle of dark stone tiles, the other in smooth
pale plaster. They're bisected by large smooth stone
entry steps that leap over a water feature towards a
pair of imposing oak doors. The entire structure seems
to float over the perimeter walls, constructed from the
same materials. At night, with only the entryway lit
and the home blending into the dark sky, the effect
is mystical.
Inside, fifty-five feet of sliding glass doors open the
interconnected living, kitchen and dining space to
the exterior, creating a seamless connection between
the house and the terrace and framing an astounding
panoramic view of the city below. Fourteen foot
ceiling and an infinity edge pool serve to underline
the breathtaking experience. "One early design had a
central fireplace separating the main living room and
dining spaces into two separate areas," Haefelfinger
remembers, "But the clients were so enthralled by the
scale of the space that we ended up removing the
fireplace, creating an expansive all-in-one living area
with those sliding glass doors spilling out onto the pool
terrace and inviting in that magnificent view."
A bedroom wing, which extends the entire length of
the property, is designed to ensure privacy from the
neighbors just up the hill. It culminates in a generous
primary suite, dramatically cantilevered over the hillside,
that seems to reach for the sparkling cityscape.
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