Completed 1992

Investigating arrangements of two or three simple discrete volumes around a generating exterior space, the 3,000 square foot Tarzana house was an opportunity to pursue this compositional strategy on a large suburban, rather than tight urban, site. A two-story bedroom volume and two one-story volumes containing garage and living spaces are arranged around a square courtyard. Two other equally important exterior spaces are formed - a motor court to the street (west), and a panoramic garden setting to the east. The result is a sequence of spaces that is reversed from conventional interpretation. The courtyard truly becomes a room entered from the exterior motor court and the living volume becomes a transitional interior space with a continuous glass face to the east garden. One-story volumes are linked under an undulating roof to suggest a unified composite form. This strategy further strengthens the discreetness and 'room' quality of the courtyard. The ornamentation of the design is driven by the desire to highlight appreciation of light, air, view and nature. Both built and planted elements are manipulated to this end.

Awards
Los Angeles AIA Award of Merit 1992 Sunset Western Home Award 1993/1994
California AIA Award of Merit in 1998.

Publication
Elle Decor, 12/92
Sunset, 10/93
Abitare, 05/94
Casabella, 05/94