Ambitious is perhaps the best word to describe this San Remo residence nestled in the hills of California’s iconic Pacific Palisades neighborhood. Set into the steep hillside of a north-facing canyon, this project proved to be a geometric challenge. The results, however, are striking.
Led by architects Russell Shubin, Robin Donaldson, and Mark Hershman of ShubinDonaldson, this property demanded innovative, strategic design solutions to maximize the narrow buildable lot. Because of the home’s northern exposure, it was important to also make the most of natural light. One unique solution includes a staircase that was designed to act as a light plenum that runs parallel to a south facing glass facade entryway. Skylights were also thoughtfully installed.
Constructed largely of wood, stone, steel, and glass, the modular home is at ease in its surroundings. Strong materials like Dove Ridge Limestone and Afromosia wood complement the native environment, while steel outlines the home's geometric design. Highlights of the property include an expansive central patio and pool deck, a wine room carved out of the hillside, and a courtyard filled with drought-tolerant plantings, courtesy of Bosky Landscape Architecture.
Maiden Stone employed split-face limestone for the home’s veneer and used additional stone as architectural blocks featured in the front and back of the property.
“These blocks were a unique design element that took time and artistry to develop and install, given the characteristics and limitations of the stone,” Maiden Stone’s Founder and President Sandra Jonas Desguin said.
“Bosky was challenged with creating a landscape that mirrored the home’s contemporary style yet also worked within the narrow confines of the property. Ultimately the blocks proved to be a decorative, playful addition that showcase the versatility of stone.”
For the interior, Magni Kalman Design created an inspired space that makes use of the largely open and unobstructed layout. Contemporary furnishings with clean lines add to the minimalist design and breezy atmosphere that’s ideal for indoor-outdoor living.
“This was a uniquely challenging project with a grand vision,” Jonas Desguin said. “The steep building site, the narrow lot size, and the lighting conditions meant all-hands on deck for the design teams. The final result, as you can tell from the pictures, shows what happens when exceptional materials come together with great ingenuity.”
And as if these key challenges were not enough, the project was completed amid the pandemic in 2020. The final result is an architectural feat that’s a nod to dramatic, contemporary design that’s indeed magazine-worthy. The home was featured in Luxe Interiors + Design’s January/February 2022 issue of its Los Angeles edition.
Photo Credits: Manolo Langis Photography (Instagram: @manololangis)
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