Volumes that find serenity. LR2 House by Montalba Architects
01/05/2020.
[Pasadena - LA] USA
metalocus, ANA DIOSDADO
metalocus, ANA DIOSDADO
The Santa Monica-based architectural firm Montalba Architects, received multiple award wins for a newly completed approx. 390 m² (4,200 square-foot) residence in the hills of Pasadena, United States.
Montalba Architects designed the project taking as concept a “matchbox”, the driving force behind the design of this residence in Pasadena. The layered volumes of the structure are integrated into the downhill slope of the lot, creating open spaces between the structures for integrated planting areas, covered terraces, and dual linear water features for passive cooling.
Montalba Architects designed the project taking as concept a “matchbox”, the driving force behind the design of this residence in Pasadena. The layered volumes of the structure are integrated into the downhill slope of the lot, creating open spaces between the structures for integrated planting areas, covered terraces, and dual linear water features for passive cooling.
Montalba Architects celebrates multiple award wins for Pasadena residential project.
LR2 House by Montalba Architects. Photograph by Kevin Scott
LR2 House by Montalba Architects. Photograph by Kevin Scott
LR2 House by Montalba Architects. Photograph by Kevin Scott
LR2 House by Montalba Architects. Photograph by Kevin Scott
LR2 House by Montalba Architects. Photograph by Kevin Scott
LR2 House by Montalba Architects. Photograph by Kevin Scott
Access. LR2 House by Montalba Architects. Photograph by Kevin Scott
LR2 House by Montalba Architects. Photograph by Kevin Scott
LR2 House by Montalba Architects. Photograph by Kevin Scott
LR2 House by Montalba Architects. Photograph by Kevin Scott
LR2 House by Montalba Architects. Photograph by Kevin Scott
Entrance hall and terrace. LR2 House by Montalba Architects. Photograph by Kevin Scott
LR2 House by Montalba Architects. Photograph by Kevin Scott
Terrace, second floor. LR2 House by Montalba Architects. Photograph by Kevin Scott
Living room. LR2 House by Montalba Architects. Photograph by Kevin Scott
Detail living room. LR2 House by Montalba Architects. Photograph by Kevin Scott
Detail of the living room looking to the kitchen. LR2 House by Montalba Architects. Photograph by Kevin Scott
LR2 House by Montalba Architects. Photograph by Kevin Scott
Detail kitchen. LR2 House by Montalba Architects. Photograph by Kevin Scott
LR2 House by Montalba Architects. Photograph by Kevin Scott
LR2 House by Montalba Architects. Photograph by Kevin Scott
Master bedroom. LR2 House by Montalba Architects. Photograph by Kevin Scott
Bath. LR2 House by Montalba Architects. Photograph by Kevin Scott
LR2 House by Montalba Architects. Photograph by Kevin Scott
LR2 House by Montalba Architects. Photograph by Kevin Scott
Hall. LR2 House by Montalba Architects. Photograph by Kevin Scott
Hall. LR2 House by Montalba Architects. Photograph by Kevin Scott
Hall. LR2 House by Montalba Architects. Photograph by Kevin Scott
Hall. LR2 House by Montalba Architects. Photograph by Kevin Scott
Staircase to screening room. LR2 House by Montalba Architects. Photograph by Kevin Scott
Detail, staircase to screening room. LR2 House by Montalba Architects. Photograph by Kevin Scott
LR2 House by Montalba Architects. Photograph by Kevin Scott
Screening room. LR2 House by Montalba Architects. Photograph by Kevin Scott
Bath. LR2 House by Montalba Architects. Photograph by Kevin Scott
Sunset view. LR2 House by Montalba Architects. Photograph by Kevin Scott
Sunset view. LR2 House by Montalba Architects. Photograph by Kevin Scott
Sunset view. LR2 House by Montalba Architects. Photograph by Kevin Scott
LR2 House by Montalba Architects. Photograph by Kevin Scott
LR2 House by Montalba Architects. Photograph by Kevin Scott
LR2 House by Montalba Architects. Photograph by Kevin Scott
LR2 House by Montalba Architects. Photograph by Kevin Scott
Site plan. LR2 House by Montalba Architects.
Floor plans. LR2 House by Montalba Architects.
Section. LR2 House by Montalba Architects.
Programme. LR2 House by Montalba Architects.
Project concept. LR2 House by Montalba Architects.
The LR2 Residence designed by Montalba Architects, overlooks Pasadena and its adjacent mountains from its hillside perch. The volumes are stacked to create a rotated series of rectangular masses abutting the hillside, each with its own take on indoor/outdoor space.
Outdoor breezeways, porches, courtyards, covered walkways and an immense rooftop deck extend the reaches of the limited floor area to the natural chaparral and views beyond. The house includes guest suites, a home office, gym, and theatre screening room, as well as abundant outdoor spaces, all taking in views of the surrounding hills and valley.
Outdoor breezeways, porches, courtyards, covered walkways and an immense rooftop deck extend the reaches of the limited floor area to the natural chaparral and views beyond. The house includes guest suites, a home office, gym, and theatre screening room, as well as abundant outdoor spaces, all taking in views of the surrounding hills and valley.
Project description by Montalba Architects
Designed by Santa Monica-based firm, Montalba Architects, the LR2 House overlooks Pasadena and its adjacent mountains from its hillside perch. This new 4,200-square-foot house is made up of several distinct living volumes and programs.
In response to the client’s desire to retain a significant portion of the existing flat pad between adjacent slopes, the house follows the matchbox concept with stacked volumes creating a rotated series of rectangular masses abutting the hillside, each with its own take on indoor/outdoor space.
Outdoor breezeways, porches, courtyards, covered walkways and an immense rooftop deck extend the reaches of the limited floor area to the natural chaparral and views beyond. The house includes guest suites, a home office, gym, and theatre screening room, as well as abundant outdoor spaces, all taking in views of the surrounding hills and valley.
The structure’s programmatic elements peel away from the primary group of building blocks and shift to follow the rough slope of the hillside terrain. The intended entry sequence flows with the landscape, guiding visitors along a reaching sidewalk that extends under the mass of the building. The compression of the resulting space offers a unique arrival experience incorporating the natural creek just beyond front door, which is nestled on the second floor.
Following the natural grade, the front stairs create an arching path to a bridged entry portal, all the while showcasing panoramic views of the house. As the front door opens, the dark, angular façade of paneled concrete gives way to a light-filled interior of soft wood and bright white finishes.
Upon entering, visitors find themselves within an indoor/outdoor living space – framed views of the exterior landscape bathe visitors in natural light and immerse them in the natural world outside. Once inside the residence, stairs descend to a private screening room or ascend to the third floor living spaces. A series of open terraces mirror the interior living quarters, encompassing almost as much outdoor space as the enclosed third-floor footprint.
More information
Architects
Collaborators
Structural.- John Labib and Associates.
Landscape.- EPT Design.
Civil Engineer.- Obando and Associates, Inc.
Waterproofing Consultant.- Roofing and Waterproofing Forensics, Inc.
Surveyor & Soils Engineer.- Irvine Geotechnical, Inc.
Lighting Designer.- Sean O'Connor Lighting.
Title-24 Consultant.- PBS Engineers.
MEP Engineer.- PBS Engineers.
A/V Consultant.- Marconi Radio.
Theater Consultant.- Digital Bel-Air.
Theater Acoustic Consultant.- Paradise Theater.
Contractor
Sarlan Builders.
Area
390 m² (4,200 square-foot)
Dates
Completed.- 12/10/2018.
Manufacturers
Swisspearl, Caesarstone, Concrete Collaborative, Duravit, Kohler, MOEN, Stone Source, Hydro Systems, Mecho Shades, Minerit, Mr Steam, States Industries, Trimble.
Photography
2019 awards for this property include
2019 AIA LA Residential Architecture Award, Honor Award
2019 AIA California Residential Award, Honor Award
2019 American MasterPrize
2019 The American Architecture Awards, Chicago Anthenaeum
2019 WAN Awards, House of the Year
2019 DNA Paris Design Awards
2019 LABC Awards
2019 WAF Awards, House - Finalist
2019 AIA California Residential Award, Honor Award
2019 American MasterPrize
2019 The American Architecture Awards, Chicago Anthenaeum
2019 WAN Awards, House of the Year
2019 DNA Paris Design Awards
2019 LABC Awards
2019 WAF Awards, House - Finalist
David Montalba. Montalba Architects
Montalba Architects. Founding Principal David Montalba, FAIA, SIA, started Montalba Architects in 2004 and is the driving force of leadership and design within the firm. Montalba Architects is a diverse architecture and design studio of more than 60 designers based in Santa Monica, CA, with a satellite office in Lausanne, Switzerland. The award-winning practice is engaged in retail, residential, and other select commercial projects in the United States, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Believing that architecture and one’s environment can truly improve quality of life, Montalba's approach is humanistic in nature, which often leads to solutions that are discrete, contextual, yet conceptual in their intent, effect, and appeal. Montalba Architects’ original Santa Monica studio is located within Bergamot Station, a creative hub and arts district at 2525 Michigan Ave., Bldg. T4, Santa Monica, CA. Montalba Architects, Sàrl is located at Rue Centrale 6, 4 eme stage, Lausanne, CH-1003, Switzerland.
David Montalba, FAIA, SIA. As Founding Principal of Montalba Architects, Inc., David Montalba, FAIA, SIA, is the driving force of leadership and design within the firm. Montalba Architects is a diverse architecture and design studio of over 50 architects and designers based in Los Angeles, California, and Lausanne, Switzerland. The firm is engaged in retail, residential and other select commercial projects across the United States and abroad. Believing that architecture and one’s environment can truly improve quality of life, David's approach is a humanistic one, which often leads to solutions that are discrete, contextual, yet conceptual in their intent, effect, and appeal. David’s diverse background as a multi-award winning architect includes over 26 years of professional practice.
Nuno Ravara. Nuno Ravara is Principal in Charge of Montalba Architects’ Swiss studio, developing international projects. He studied architecture at the Faculdade de Arquitectura in Lisbon, Portugal, at the Milan Polytechnic in Italy, and at the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc) where he received a Master in Architecture with Distinction. Prior to joining MA, he worked as an Associate at Herzog & de Meuron for 16 years after having collaborated in several other architecture offices and establishing his own practice between 1996 and 2000. He has worked on several projects and competitions varying in size and complexity in Portugal, Spain, Germany, Qatar, and Switzerland and has participated in exhibitions, publications, and juries.
Believing that architecture and one’s environment can truly improve quality of life, Montalba's approach is humanistic in nature, which often leads to solutions that are discrete, contextual, yet conceptual in their intent, effect, and appeal. Montalba Architects’ original Santa Monica studio is located within Bergamot Station, a creative hub and arts district at 2525 Michigan Ave., Bldg. T4, Santa Monica, CA. Montalba Architects, Sàrl is located at Rue Centrale 6, 4 eme stage, Lausanne, CH-1003, Switzerland.
David Montalba, FAIA, SIA. As Founding Principal of Montalba Architects, Inc., David Montalba, FAIA, SIA, is the driving force of leadership and design within the firm. Montalba Architects is a diverse architecture and design studio of over 50 architects and designers based in Los Angeles, California, and Lausanne, Switzerland. The firm is engaged in retail, residential and other select commercial projects across the United States and abroad. Believing that architecture and one’s environment can truly improve quality of life, David's approach is a humanistic one, which often leads to solutions that are discrete, contextual, yet conceptual in their intent, effect, and appeal. David’s diverse background as a multi-award winning architect includes over 26 years of professional practice.
Nuno Ravara. Nuno Ravara is Principal in Charge of Montalba Architects’ Swiss studio, developing international projects. He studied architecture at the Faculdade de Arquitectura in Lisbon, Portugal, at the Milan Polytechnic in Italy, and at the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc) where he received a Master in Architecture with Distinction. Prior to joining MA, he worked as an Associate at Herzog & de Meuron for 16 years after having collaborated in several other architecture offices and establishing his own practice between 1996 and 2000. He has worked on several projects and competitions varying in size and complexity in Portugal, Spain, Germany, Qatar, and Switzerland and has participated in exhibitions, publications, and juries.
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