Vacation House Design With Modern Design And Direct Relationship To Nature

The owners wanted to build a getaway house outside of Los Angeles where they could entertain and find a balance between the modern design they desired and a more direct relationship to nature. After a two year search in the Southern California region they discovered pristine acreage near Montecito at the top of a mountain and adjacent to national park land. The site strategy is one of slow revelation and discovery of the house and ultimately the view. The road, which had to be built for access, brings the visitor to a point below the house where a formal stair leads up to the entry sequence. The front door frames and reveals views of the Santa Barbara coastline through the courtyard. A 40 wide horizontal panavisonesque opening gives the house a pavilionlike atmosphere. The dwelling is organized around three courtyards; the primary one at the heart of the house also serves as the front entrance and outdoor living room. The courtyards have a dual purpose: they bring in ample natural light