Pacific Palisades Residence

Preserving Natural Beauty in a Coastal Bluff

The Pacific Palisades Residence, designed by Shubin + Donaldson Architects, is a stunning example of how architecture can seamlessly blend with its natural surroundings. Situated on a coastal bluff in Los Angeles, California, this residence not only takes advantage of breathtaking views but also prioritizes the preservation of the site's natural beauty.

The design of the Pacific Palisades Residence is characterized by the appropriation and connection of two open terraces. One terrace faces outward, creating a semi-public space that embraces the landscape. The other terrace is more private, catering to the inward relationships of the home's discreet areas. The building's geometry is organized around three principal axes, each responding to the site's unique topography and views.

One of the main challenges of this project was negotiating and mitigating the severe topography of the site. The architects successfully integrated the building into the hillside, terracing it with the natural contours of the land. This not only breaks up the overall mass of the building but also reinforces the stability of the hillside. Over 70% of the two-acre site is maintained as planted terrain, incorporating a landscaped grove of over 200 new trees and other drought-tolerant plantings.

The Pacific Palisades Residence prioritizes sustainable design principles. The limited yet pure palette of materials includes split-face and honed stacked limestone, ipe wood slats, and large areas of high-performance glazing. The building's volumes are organized to optimize natural lighting and passive ventilation, taking advantage of the site's natural flow of sea breezes. Various shading, irrigation, and resource-efficient strategies are employed to address natural cooling, solar protection, and energy and material conservation.

The Pacific Palisades Residence is not only a testament to architectural excellence but also a harmonious dialogue with its site. The design maximizes the available features and aspects of the land, enhancing its character while providing a comfortable and elegant living space for its occupants.

Winner of the Bronze A' Design Award in 2012, the Pacific Palisades Residence showcases outstanding creativity and resourcefulness. This design exemplifies the integration of art, science, design, and technology, contributing to the improvement of quality of life and making the world a better place.