Revolutionizing Residential Design: The BH International Residence

Colega Architects' Innovative Approach to Modern Living Spaces

The BH International Residence is a testament to the power of thoughtful design. Its inspiration is rooted in the International movement, characterized by rational architecture and volumetric design. The interior is stripped down to create clean, open spaces, free of structure, and interconnected, reflecting the essence of modern living.

What sets this design apart is its careful consideration of both public and private experiences. The residence is located on a corner lot, and the architects have skillfully used this to their advantage. Clerestory windows allow light to flood the interior while maintaining privacy from the street. Large pocket sliding doors open onto a partially covered courtyard, secluded from neighboring properties, creating a private oasis within the urban landscape.

The design's unique properties extend to its material palette. Light-colored smooth troweled plaster forms the main field, contrasted by dark brick in a stacked bond pattern. Tiger Smooth Mountain Gray Cypress charred wood siding accents the front elevation, filling the frame of the light plaster, while IPE louvers add a delicate texture to the second floor, creating privacy and enhancing the aesthetic appeal.

The residence spans 5,600 sqft above ground, with a 3,700 sqft basement that includes a subterranean parking garage. The design team, consisting of Bogdan Tomalevski, Tarek Abdel Ghaffar, and Dirk Gaudet (Landscape), began the project in 2015, with construction expected to start in early 2017.

The design process involved extensive research into the International Style and Modern Movement, resulting in a design that embraces theory without direct replication. The use of natural, honest materials, ribbon clerestory windows, and a sense of weightlessness are all hallmarks of this style. The challenge lay in preserving the initial concept and maintaining a pure diagram while ensuring functionality and practicality.

Located in an affluent neighborhood in Los Angeles, the BH International Residence is a shining example of modern, minimalist design. The project was rewarded with the Silver A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2017, a testament to its innovative design and outstanding expertise.