DWELL HOUSE ll

Responding to the mild climate of Southern California as well as to its modern architectural heritage, the Dwell House features design principles and construction techniques that have evolved from unique opportunities for outdoor living. Architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Richard Neutra, Irving Gill, and Rudolph Schindler, each developed domestic spaces to exploit the potential for outdoor living. The Dwell House seizes this opportunity as well. 

Fundamental to the conception of the house is the notion of the covered porch, which blurs the boundaries between inside and outside. As a general strategy, design elements were developed to lengthen and extend the space as well as take advantage of opportunities for outdoor living. As a result of a beneficent climate, the residence can effectively increase the limited space it has to occupy. The house is organized to take maximum advantage of the unique characteristics of the site. The spiral ‘L’ shape organization divides the home into two distinct zones. The public living zone is open and filled with natural light, placed slightly parallel to the street to take full advantage of spectacular views to the north while allowing the space to open to the private hillside on the south side of the building. The private areas of the house are positioned perpendicular to the street moving up the hill to closely follow the natural topography of the site. This preserves privacy while reducing the need for extensive retaining walls. Only the carport and entry are carved into the site, requiring retaining walls. Moving up the hill and located at the end of the private zone is the multi-purpose family playroom/office/den area. At this point the private zone turns 170 degrees and climbs horizontally back over the homes private and public zone towards Croyden Lane, culminating at the master bed, which captures panoramic views to the north. 

Dwell House II is a finely sculpted aesthetic object. However, primary emphasis is given to its spatial effects. The architecture is broadly conceived as spatial experience embodying ideals about living. There is an ease of circulation and a conscientious attitude about material and spatial consumption. Movement and depth are paramount. An unfettered movement from inside to outside cultivates an atmosphere of leisure without losing a sense of boundary or distinction.