Martin-Pacifico Residence

With careful integration the design maximizes solar gain and viewshed in the second-story living spaces of this home on an unusual sloping site situated within the hairpin turn of a steep mountain road; more private spaces are situated on the ground floor. The torsion box foundation doubles as a retaining wall allowing for minimal disturbance to the home’s mountainside site and creatively meeting area setback and seismic requirements.

Divided into three masses, the residence consists of two larger, cedar-clad outer masses, on stone bases, bisected by a central circulation mass demarcated by a metal panel exterior and main entryway. A floating steel staircase and hardwood floors create a polished entrance corridor to the home and lead to public and private spaces on either side of the stairway. Floor-to-ceiling windows in both the living spaces and master bedroom invite spectacular valley views and sunlight, while maple cabinetry and trim, polished ground concrete floors, and maple plank ceilings create a simple but warm interior.