Project: Pasadena Residential Project
Architects: Montalba Architects
Location: Pasadena, California
Structural: The Office of Gordon L. Polon
Civil Engineer: Rothman Engineering
Lighting Designer: Sean O’Connor Lighting
Landscape: EPT Design
Completed 2018
Size 4,200 sf
Montalba Architects received seven awards in 2019 for the design of the newly completed 4,200 square-foot Pasadena residential property. A “matchbox” concept is the driving force behind the design of this residence in Pasadena. The layered volumes of the structure are integrated into the downhill slope of the lot, creating open spaces between the structures for integrated planting areas, covered terraces, and dual linear water features for passive cooling.
Outdoor breezeways, porches, courtyards, covered walkways, and an immense rooftop deck extend the reaches of the limited floor area to the outdoors and provide immense views. The house includes guest suites, a home office, gym, and a theatre screening room, as well as abundant outdoor spaces, all showcasing views of the surrounding hills and valley.
The entry space flows with the landscape, guiding visitors along a reaching sidewalk that extends under the mass of the building. The compression of the resulting space offers a unique arrival experience incorporating the natural creek just beyond the front door, which is nestled on the second floor. Following the existing creek, the front stairs create an arching path to a bridged entry portal, all the while showcasing panoramic views of the house. As the front door opens, the dark, angular façade of paneled concrete gives way to a light-filled interior of softwood and bright white finishes. Upon entering, visitors find themselves within an indoor/outdoor living space. Once inside the residence, stairs descend to a private screening room or ascend to the third-floor living spaces.
2019 awards for this property include:
2019 AIA LA Residential Architecture Award, Honor Award
2019 AIA California Residential Award, Honor Award
2019 American MasterPrize
2019 The American Architecture Awards, Chicago Athenaeum
2019 WAN Awards, House of the Year
2019 DNA Paris Design Awards
2019 LABC Awards
2019 WAF Awards, House – Finalist
