Nick Roberts and Cory Buckner wanted a weekend space for living and working. Although they were limited by zoning to 700 sf., they did not want to sacrifice spaciousness. Their site in the Santa Monica Mountains enjoys spectacular views but is exposed to northerly winds and brush fires. The architects wanted to intrude as little as possible into the landscape and minimize the carbon footprint of the building.
Design strategies for the project, which was completed in 2009, included: openness in plan and section to maximize the small footprint; designing the building skin as a hard shell on the north side to protect from the elements and as a transparent membrane on the south to invite in sun and views; partial earth-sheltering to minimize the apparent size of the building; exterior colors that blend with the landscape; and solar design, recycled and renewable materials to minimize the carbon footprint.