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Rustic Canyon Residence in Los Angeles, California by Conner + Perry Architects

Nestled into Santa Monica Canyon, this residence seamlessly fits into its wooded locale while serving as a backdrop for a world-class art collection. Designed by Santa Monica-based architecture firm Conner + Perry Architects.

Project description by architect:

Organic architecture experts Kristopher Conner and James Perry of Conner + Perry Architects were commissioned by a deeply-rooted Los Angeles couple to design a home that seamlessly fits their family and lifestyle, while also showcasing a world-class art collection and effortlessly blending into a beloved section of Santa Monica Canyon.

big trees in house frontside image © Taiyo Watanabe 

Taking cues from the property’s surrounding Oak and Eucalyptus trees, the firm designed a residence that allows for reflection, openness, and serenity. Key design features include windows that frame the magnificent trees, extended canopy-like, cantilevered eaves, and fully pocketing glass exterior walls that open to a central courtyard to offer the perfect balance of indoor-outdoor living. Every view in the house was designed to captivate with either nature or art. Initial plans by John Lautner protégé, architect Duncan Nicholson, set the stage for Kris and James, formerly with Nicholson’s office, to complete and enhance the project, despite his untimely passing.

the house facade made with wood material image © Taiyo Watanabe 

modern house with wood facade in California image © Taiyo Watanabe 

Given their love for the neighborhood and its majestic trees, the clients sought to repurpose the felled Eucalyptus wood found on the property into outdoor furniture and key elements within the house, including the grand entry doors. In keeping, exterior materials for the new home were selected for their organic nature, ability to age in place, and compatibility with the climate, such as charred wood siding (Shou Sugi Ban), copper, exposed steel, and concrete. Interior materials were chosen to reflect the nature outside, including a mix of massangis grey limestone and french oak for the flooring, weathered brass, blackened steel elements, and a variety of marbles and tiles, including art tiles by Lubna Chowdhary.

house with swimming pool image © Taiyo Watanabe 

the pool view from the house rooftop image © Taiyo Watanabe 

For the clients, who both grew up in the neighborhood, the chance to collaborate on the design process and build a space for their impressive art collection was a dream. For Conner + Perry, the home represents exactly what the clients were seeking — a quintessential California indoor/outdoor experience where everything feels open and unified.

house with garden image © Taiyo Watanabe 

modern house design with swimming pool image © Taiyo Watanabe 

“Each of them has described the house as having a magical or mystical quality, allowing light in at the right moments, as well as the shadows of the trees, and a calming mirroring effect,” says principal, Kristopher Conner.

house with deck surrounded by eucalyptus trees image © Taiyo Watanabe 

modern living room near the dining area image © Taiyo Watanabe 

pendant lamp over the wooden dining table in kitchen image © Taiyo Watanabe 

cozy living area with red sofa image © Taiyo Watanabe 

bookshelf with books near the window image © Taiyo Watanabe 

wooden staircase with glass handrail image © Taiyo Watanabe 

big colorful painting frame on the wall image © Taiyo Watanabe 

bedroom with beautiful landscape view from window image © Taiyo Watanabe 

comfortable bench near window image © Taiyo Watanabe 

bathroom with skylight in the roof image © Taiyo Watanabe 

children room with nature wallpaper image © Taiyo Watanabe 

First Floor Plan First Floor Plan 

Second Floor Plan Second Floor Plan 

Site Plan Site Plan 

North and south elevation North and south elevation 

East and west elevation East and west elevation 

 

Project name: Rustic Canyon Residence

Architecture firm: Conner + Perry Architects

Principal architect: Conner and James Perry

Interior Designers: Olivia Williams, Olivia Williams Interior Design and Matthew Merrell, Merrell Design Co.

Builder: Michael Robinson, RAM Development and Construction Company, Inc. and Dick Minium, Dick Minium Construction

Landscape Architecture: Case Fleher, Landscape Workspace

Location: Santa Monica, CaliforniaUnited States

Completion year: 2017

Photography: Taiyo Watanabe 


By Naser Nader Ibrahim

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