A new home was built to replace an existing burned-out residence on a steep hillside lot in the Riviera neighborhood of Santa Barbara. The building utilizes fire-resistant materials. Inspired by the mid-century Case Study homes of Southern California, the home is an expression of steel, concrete, and glass.
The home retains the footprint of the former residence, in accordance with Santa Barbara zoning requirements. Walls of glass are framed within the steel structure, offering optimal transparency. The house maintains both an inward focus—providing access to the garden to the north—as well as majestic panoramic vistas extending over the Pacific.
The modest home features an open plan, with the living, dining, and kitchen areas aligned in an orderly fashion. The main living spaces are anchored by bedroom suites on either side.
An ADU was designed for the lower, semi-subterranean level. The space is carved out of the hillside site and nestled within the natural vegetation of the slope.
This highly sustainable home is LEED Platinum-worthy, incorporating both active and passive strategies, along with materials and building systems elevated to the highest standards.