Located in Culver City, California, the Barman Residence is a sophisticated single-family home that keeps within the constraints of a tight budget. Designed by Andmore Partners, the 3,500-square-foot, four-bedroom, four-bathroom contemporary home breaks down the residence into a human scale using texture and a minimal color palette.

On the exterior, the white stucco form is accentuated with two juxtaposing black masses that visually connect the street-facing façade with both levels of the house to form an interlocked massing. The exterior’s mid-height site wall and low-level landscaping create an openness while maintaining privacy in this tranquil family-friendly neighborhood. Instead of a traditional manicured lawn, layered drought-tolerant landscape is employed to create an inviting entryway into the residence.

The interior uses a simple yet warm color and materials palette comprising a combination of wood, marble, quartz, and steel to create a calming, natural atmosphere for the Barman family. Living spaces were reimaged as one unified, continuous area for the living, kitchen, and dining rooms. The open stair acts as a medium to expand the first-floor living area onto the second floor. Indirect southern light illuminates the space to keep the interior open and warm without being blindingly bright or too hot—perfect for the Southern California climate.