Mark

SYCAMORE CANYON HOUSE
MALIBU, CALIFORNIA


In an effort to meet impending land loan payments, this project developed as a fast-track negotiation of political, physical and client-driven mandates. The eleven-acre hillside property, with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean required strict regulatory review by the California Coastal Commission, City of Malibu Planning, Building & Safety and Fire Departments, the residential Neighborhood Review Board, as well as the Chumash Indian Archeological Inspection Team.

In addition to these regulatory hurdles, the physical property was discovered to carry multiple geologic fault lines, the risk of mudslides and periodic wildfires. The resultant “safe zone” for building was found to be a relatively small triangulated footprint along the hillside’s southern slope.

The design for this house emerged from a desire to maximize the views to the Pacific Ocean and a desire to utilize the only flat natural terrain on the property. The house is positioned as a valve between two landscapes: artificial ground (new pool deck) and natural ground (lawn). The architecture is grounded within a series of concrete retaining walls at the lower floors, which contain private program and subsidiary courtyards extending outwards along the hillside. The living spaces, located above, are arranged parallel to the slope and are expressed as lightweight, transparent spaces under the metal roof.