A rustic canyon residence by Conner + Perry Architects aims to showcase a world-class art collection and effortlessly blending into this beloved section of Santa Monica Canyon.
Taking cues from the property’s surrounding Oak and Eucalyptus trees, the firm designed a residence that allows for reflection, openness, and serenity.
Key design features include windows that frame the magnificent trees, extended canopy-like, cantilevered eaves and fully pocketing glass exterior walls that open to a central courtyard to offer the perfect balance of indoor-outdoor living.
Every view in the house was designed to captivate with either nature or art. Initial plans by John Lautner protégé, architect Duncan Nicholson, set the stage for Kris and James, formerly with Nicholson’s office, to complete and enhance the project, despite his untimely passing.
Originally a classic California 1940’s cabin, which began as a test station for the Forestry Service during their Eucalyptus tree testing in the 1910-20s, it was important that Price and Schlei honored this history and salvage as much of the original house as possible.
Given their love for the neighborhood and its majestic trees, they repurposed fallen Eucalyptus wood found on the property into outdoor seating and key elements within the house.
In keeping, exterior materials for the new home were selected for their organic nature, ability to age in place, and compatibility with the climate, such as charred wood siding (Shou Sugi Ban), copper, exposed steel and concrete.
Interior materials were chosen to reflect the nature outside, including a mix of massangis grey limestone and French oak for the flooring, weathered brass, blackened steel elements, and a variety of marbles and tiles, including art tiles by Lubna Chowdhary.
With their art and design infused upbringings, both Price and Schlei felt a strong connection to the design of the home.
Schlei wanting streamlined, usable space, Price desired the serenity of a retreat that integrated with the surrounding.
We wanted something that looks like it belonged in the canyon. We wanted to feel like we were living amongst the trees.
The outside area becomes like one room. We wanted the house to be completely open - it’s exactly what we wanted. That California indoor/outdoor feeling where everything feels open and unified.
Each has described the house as having a magical or mystical quality, allowing light in at the right moments, as well as the shadows of the trees, and a calming mirroring effect. Where the Atrium connects with the interior rooms.
Project details
Architecture: Conner + Perry Architects, Nicholson Architects
Team: Kristopher Conner + James Perry Duncan Nicholson
Interior design: Olivia Williams Interior Design + Matt Merrell
Landscape design: Landscape Workspace
Structural engineer: Peter T. Erdelyi Associates
General contractor: RAM Development & Construction Company, Inc. and Dick Minium Construction
Square footage: 6,813 square feet
Clients: Jamie Price and Brad Schlei.