ALSTER RESIDENCE
Natural light, view, and ventilation were the guiding design elements for this modest 3600 square foot residence on a flat 8033 square foot site. Respectful to a neighborhood with mainly traditional styled homes, scale and mass were kept comparable. Materials traditionally used in the neighborhood were incorporated but with a modern twist.
The architecture design aims to be simple and clean to create a comfortable and cozy atmosphere. It offers the unique lifestyle and experience expected of California living. The ground level contains the common living areas, including the kitchen/dining area and a guest suite, and the upper floor contains a master suite, which has a retreat with a large outdoor deck overlooking the rear garden.
The house embraces the natural landscape which includes a Zen Garden, terrace garden, water feature, organic vegetable garden and fire pits. North facing floor to ceiling glass and sliding doors open to the rear yard and lush landscape views. This open plan concept increases the sense of outdoor space and gives the illusion of a much bigger home. Indoor and outdoor spaces are unified visually and physically and blur the boundary of the built environment and natural environment. The overall design intent is to promote outdoor living to take full advantage of the California climate.