Commissioned by serious art collectors, the Rustic Canyon residence is designed not simply to accommodate their rotating installations, but also as the largest object in their collection. The 7,500 sq. ft. home showcases art over two stories, which remain comfortable and livable while allowing for both informal entertaining and large scale formal receptions.
The interplay between the strongly horizontal upper and lower volumes define the home’s appearance. A low-slung oblong box, resting lightly on the base, appears to defy gravity as it cantilevers sinuously, far over the lap pool. Visitors enter over stepping stones embedded in a shallow fishpond, connected by a direct line of sight with the pool beyond. Sheathed in metal cladding, the volume above reflects the play of light from the water below. A skin of vertical fins wraps the lower front façade, providing shade and privacy. Operable fins over the windows allow for cross ventilation to augment the innovative radiant in-ceiling combined heating and cooling system. The house is illuminated by indirect daylight—via sculptural light tower monitors—and a specialized low-voltage lighting system. Additional structural wall backing allows for maximum curatorial flexibility.
