Mar Vista
Located in a suburban area near the beach, in Los Angeles, California, Mar Vista explores the expressive potential of architectural geometry through the interplay of straight and curved lines, creating a dialogue that brings dynamism and character to the design, while establishing a fluid relationship between interior spaces and the surrounding landscape.
The project builds upon a preexisting configuration composed of a rectangular central volume and two patios—one at the front and one at the back. Working within the site’s maximum allowable building area, a strategy of subtraction was proposed: voids and reductions were carefully created to reconfigure the program and enhance the life around the patios. To this gesture, a second, independent volume was added, conceived as a guest quarters.
The design rethinks the boundaries between interiors and exteriors not as a division, but as a continuum. Openings that pierce the volume allow for cross-reading of the space, creating a sense of transparency that blurs the limits and transforms the patios into natural extensions of the living areas. These apertures not only enrich the spatial experience and reinforce the sense of openness, but also respond to the warm climate of Los Angeles, prioritizing cross ventilation, natural light, and a strong visual connection with the surrounding vegetation.
The main façade is defined by a curved roof that reinterprets the traditional gabled roof—a creative and contemporary solution developed to fit the local roof height and design regulations. The entrance was discreetly relocated to one side of the house, allowing the main façade to remain clean and open to the front patio, with large windows that establish a direct connection between the indoor spaces and nature.
The spatial layout is articulated through two distinct volumes. The main volume, which spans two levels, houses the social areas on the ground floor—living room, dining room, kitchen, toilet, and a semi-covered terrace—while the upper level contains the private areas, including a primary bedroom, three secondary bedrooms, three full bathrooms, and a studio. The second volume, located at the back of the property, contains a single-level guest quarters with a bedroom, full bathroom, and kitchenette, offering privacy and autonomy.
Inside, a neutral color palette, along with materials such as oak wood and polished concrete, creates a serene and luminous atmosphere. On the exterior, an artisanal striated plaster finish brings texture, depth, and a distinctive identity to the house.
