Completion Date: 10/26/2015
Square Footage: 6500
Building Use: Single Family Residence
Location: Emerald Bay - Laguna Beach, California
Project Description:
This major remodel effectively transformed a suburban styled residence into a home that more subtly grasped both the context of which it was a part and better suited the way this family of four actually lives. Situated at the crossroad of this hillside community, the Deckey residence was faced with a basic decision - how to deal with the busy intersection just outside its front door. Rather then turn its back on this intersection, it was determined that a series of concrete pilasters could turn this apparent negative into a positive aspect of the residence. On the street side of these plinths a natural landscape was developed that mimics the hillside and valley beyond, while on the inside of the uprights a flooded courtyard was created with an ever present soundtrack of water. The ultimate effect is theatrical in its approach; from the exterior one gets a sort of peek-a-boo into the residence, always just shy of a true glimpse inside, while from the residence the fountain reflects the sky above, with the plinths creating a type of stop frame movie of the traffic just beyond. In turn, the fountain helps to further fill the home with light and sound. Both of these experiences, whether from the street or the courtyard, add to the performance of the thoroughfare.
Architecturally we were able to simplify the home’s form – creating an archetypal gable, clad in the same copper as the roofing for the primary wing of the residence. This modest gesture at once captures the essence of the cascading hillside, and homes beyond, while drawing our attention to the picturesque valley in the distance. On the opposite wing of the residence we play a similar game; while still utilizing the copper for the roofing, we elect to ground the form by using limestone for the cladding. This wall finish is then allowed to slip from the exterior into the residence, creating a continuous anchor to both the courtyard as well as the main living space. With only a wine cellar acting as a see-through divider, the home’s open plan makes us feel as if we are in a modern treehouse; free from the traffic just outside the front door, now surrounded by nature and the ever expanding views beyond. This natural feel is perhaps enhanced by the overall approach to the construction of the residence. Rather than tearing the home down, it was determined that a remodel was a better use of the resources at hand for this 6500sf home. By repurposing the existing copper roof, utilizing the basic structure of the original home, opening the residence to light and air, we were better able to engage with the context of which we were a part. In turn, the decision to open up the back of the home played multiple roles: it provided a link between the upper and lower levels, engaged us with the park, ocean and valley just beyond, and at night turned the home into a lantern – marking the entrance to this hillside community.
C.O.T.E. | Committee on the Environment
Submitted By: |
Laidlaw Schultz architects |
Design Architect: |
Craig Schultz and Scott Laidlaw |
Associate Architect or Firm: |
Project Team: Craig Schultz - Principal (Laidlaw Schultz architects) Scott Laidlaw - Prinicipal (Laidlaw Schultz architects) Tony Hass - (Laidlaw Schultz architects) Kathy Troutfetter - (Laidlaw Schultz architects) Andrew Heerman - (Laidlaw Schultz architects) |
Landscape Architect: |
Michael Bonner |
Owner / Developer: |
Jeff Deckey Tamara Deckey |
Engineer: |
Structural: Michael Gabriel Civil: Toal Engineering Lighting: PENUMBRA Architectural Illumination Geotechnical: Geosoils MEP: Southland Energy |
General Contractor: |
Bryan Johnson - Forte Estate Homes, Ltd. |
Consultant: |
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Photographer: |
John Ellis Photo |
Deckey Residence
Category
Residential Custom
Description
The jury liked the plan and organization of the building and found the strength and solidity of the front elevation contrasted to the simplicity and openness of the rear elevation to be a strong aspect of the design. The home looks like a pleasant place to be.
Congratulations Laidlaw Schultz Architects.
Winner Status
- Citation Award