BLOCH RESEDENCE
SANTA MONICA

The design process for this Contemporary single family house was influenced by the site’s long and narrow dimensions, its urban setting and the desire to construct an environmentally conscience dwelling.
The façade composition of tall stucco walls and long narrow openings provide a barrier separating and sheltering the private interior spaces and garden from the busy public street. The front door, hidden within the narrow vertical siding, adds to the suspense and expectation before revealing the house’s minimalist, clean and simple approach to the interior spaces.
The design utilizes the tight characteristics of the site by having the floor plan shape the exterior spaces, creating in effect outdoor rooms, the garden can be viewed throughout the house common areas, shortening hallways and creating a feel of spaciousness and balance.  The stairs located strategically in the center of the house, enhances the circulation flow, provides vertical interest and in addition skylights in the high volume ceiling deliver abundant natural light throughout the open floor plan.
Mindful design consideration together with careful selection of mechanical systems and a deliberate collection of ‘green’ material are all part of addressing the environment concerns. To minimize direct sun, the large opening faces north while small windows are on the South elevation. The sloped roof across the length of the entire house faces south and is equipped with solar panels providing electrical power all year long in sunny southern California. Other systems like whole house fan, radiant floors and tank-less water heaters working together with materials such as concrete floors and counter tops, easily replenished bamboo floors and metal roof with extended life cycle, make the house energy efficient and environmentally friendly.

Design:   Peled BarLev
Engineering:  Kirk Cross
Photography: Christopher Covey