SOUTH BAY DIGS | Digital Edition Online

SOUTHEAST PERSPECTIVE SOUTHWEST PERSPECTIVE SOUTH PERSPECTIVE 7,956 square foot lot, 4,334 square feet, 5 bedrooms, 4 baths, 2 ½ baths New construction custom home T H E M I D D L E H O U S E Tell us how you got involved in this project? This is an owner/developer design + build project. How did you conceptualize its model? It was driven by the context, massing and hillside ordinance, while driving our five principles of architecture. How, specifically, did you integrate these concepts into the home? ar5,+inc. implements the most progressive and advanced computer aided design, called B.I.M., short for building information modeling. We build the 'project' from the ground up, in the computer, which allows for minimal amounts of error, with both the overall design, and our interaction with consultants. We employ five concepts in our overall design philosophy. An inside/ outside relationship of both material and space. A there but not there emphasis by using materials of transparency and translucency. A parallelism of site to building context. A principle of offsetting materials to create a scope of depth. Lastly, the context of mass to the overall concept and scope of the project. By implementing these five principles of architecture in every design we do, and keeping true to our philosophy, we can guarantee both a provocative design, and an overall smooth process from conception through construction administration. Sustainability is important to all of us, especially when investing in your home and environment. By using the California Green Building Code and LEED for Homes standards as base models for all of our work, we are able to improve the quality and decrease the impact of the buildings we design and build. You've been surrounded by design environments since childhood and studied under several prominent architects, including Pritzker Prize award-winner Thom Mayne, of morphosis, before starting your own firm in 2005. How do these experiences influence your perspective on architecture today? Being surrounded by influences of high-end design as a child, and being lucky enough to be employed as a young professional at morphosis, influences my every move, every thought, every stroke of the pencil. It truly is a lifestyle, not a job. Every project is unique and relates to the context of the site, and makes a positive impact on the environment. By listening to our clients, we ensure a thoughtful, cohesive and thought provoking design. What is a trademark of ar5,+inc. design? I would suggest that our trademark is being a unique design + build lab. By implementing our five principles of architecture in every design we do, and by keeping true to our philosophy, we can guarantee both a provocative design and an overall smooth process, from conception through construction administration. A lifetime spent in the design world earned Bryan Winters the aptitude he needed to make something of his own. In 2005, Winters founded ar5,+inc., a design + build firm known and applauded for its dedication to sustainable design. Here, he shares the concepts that influence the Middle House project, and how he uniquely implements five principles of architecture into his design philosophy. design + build ar5,+inc. Structural/MEP Engineer Paul Christensen, C.E., S.E. Soils Engineer Jonathan Miller, CEG Bay Cities Geology Green Roof Justin Ewart/AAWRP ar5,+inc. The strategy of this home was driven by the hillside ordinance in the Pacific Palisades. The existing grade elevated to 28 feet, created the maximum allowable height limit. In studying various versions of the property, it was decided that by dropping the street facade 4 feet, we were able to achieve a more lineal design and have fewer internal stairs. At the lower split level, two sets of 13-foot tall sliders open up to a manicured yard of grass and white river rock, lap pool and the valley, which opens its mouth to the Pacific Ocean. The contrast between the cedar siding and the smooth, deep-gray steel troweld stucco achieves a sense of calm and tranquility. The second level, containing the bedrooms, has a roof garden off the master bedroom. An internal staircase provides access to a massive roof deck, which has panoramic views, to the Pacific Ocean. This project is in the construction administration stage.

• Cover