Pacific Palisades, the place where our kids grew up, has been devastated by the 2025 fire. Now it is undergoing a remarkable transformation. This functionally elegant, three-story home over a basement garage, serves as a symbol of hope and modern architectural vision.
The overall composition is lovingly reminiscent of our own home and office, which survived the fire mainly due to its design features. Twenty-five years later, we have the opportunity to revisit the coastal upslope build, this time on a double lot with a spacious exterior deck. The design logic follows a series of interlocking L and U volumes, which harmonize with the terrain. Crafted with meticulous contemporary aesthetics and practicality in mind, this home cleverly optimizes volume within the permitted 10% building floor area increase. The open daytime space floor plan seamlessly blends functionality and elegance, creating an inviting atmosphere for modern living. Three spacious bedrooms, each with an en suite bathroom, provide ample room for the family. The roomy two-bedroom ADU, complete with a full kitchen, offers ample space for guests, parents, in-laws, and anyone the owner would like to invite for a relaxing stay.
WWithin the coastal setting, a tropical garden, a recreation of the one lost to the fire, connects home and nature. The garden deck, featuring a large prefab hot tub and double exterior shower, offers panoramic ocean views and a unique outdoor space for relaxation and entertainment. A fully equipped outdoor kitchen seamlessly integrates with the entertaining functionality of the outdoor area. A double kitchen and terrace set of BBQs add a touch of culinary exuberance, while the front M.C. Esheresque bridge completes the functional loop between the living room and east terraces. Both features also fire pits for cozy moments at the ocean.
The home exemplifies innovative rebuilding efforts in Pacific Palisades, that set a new standard for noncombustible, eco-conscious design. It has exemplary controlled transparency and fluid functional flow, with delicate space definition. Board-formed concrete walls create an artistic Zen-like material presence with a unique modern touch. Photovoltaics, cross ventilation, channeled air circulation, and eco-friendly materials not only enhance the home’s value, but also contribute to its truthful sustainability and fire-resistive features. It’s more than just a building; it’s a functional piece of beauty and tranquility— thoughtful, inventive, and innovative.