Design Architect:

Mandi Rafaty

Associate Architect or Firm:

Landscape Architect:

Granada Landscapes, Fullerton, CA

Owner / Developer:

Oriole - 1000 LLC

Project Data:

Completion Date:     9/30/2022

Square Footage:      6000

Building Use:           Single Family Residence

Project Description:

The site is a large 1.5 acre lot at the top of a prominent ridge above an undeveloped canyon opening to expansive ocean views. The buildable area is restricted to less than half the lot area by an open space easement. Design guidelines and design review will not allow the structure to project a profile above the prominent ridge line. The local design review board placed restrictions on height, mass and window areas of the structure. Three levels of living area with 4 bedrooms are contained within 6000 sf with 1500 sf of deck space.

The overriding design concept was to open the space up to the natural environment and natural light with expansive floor to ceiling glass framing the incredible views down the canyon to the ocean. The restrictions imposed dictated that Roof Level, that includes driveway/entry and garage, be set as far below street levels as possible. Stepped down the ridge below Roof Level are three levels of living space. When approaching the house at the street level the views are preserved and it is not at all apparent you are approaching a 4 level 6000 sf home.

The entry sequence passes through the Upper Level that is a private space with Master Suite with deck and one smaller bedroom. One enters the main space on Mid-Level that is all the common public space. The Mid-Level is living room with bar, dining room and kitchen that all flow seamlessly outdoors onto an ocean view deck and swimming pool.

The Lower Level is also a more private space housing two bedrooms, a family room and laundry room.

The articulation of the building mass allows it blend into the hillside and compliment the native vegetation surrounding the home. Vertical wood slats make the structure appear more compact horizontally against the hillside. The slats and colors of the natural materials soften the visual impact against the hillside giving it a warm organic feeling.

A high-tech glass treatment was used to block light emissions from the windows at night reducing light pollution in the undeveloped canyon. The glass treatment also reduces heat gain inside the space during the daytime.

Roofs are also articulated with different forms and angles helping to visually break up the mass and blend into the hillside and pattern of development. The project was developed on an extremely sloping hillside with strict restriction from local Design Review Board.