We toured the Spacestation in CV, which showed the potential of contemporary architecture, but left us hanging – and hoping for better examples.
The Division Knoll Residence in Big Sur, California was designed by Sagan Piechota Architecture.
Elemental in nature – walls of glass, floors of stone, supports of concrete, a roof of copper – “it’s not really about the architecture itself, but more about the architecture as a vessel for looking at the view,” says Daniel Piechota.
Because of the simplicity of materials, it’s almost an invisible structure. There are certain angles where you’re pretty much looking through the house, and you almost don’t see it.
Click on thumbnails below for full size:
Beautiful, but doesn’t appear to be very practical. Don’t know how you’d sleep in with no window coverings, or how you’d keep the place cool on a sunny day. I’m probably thinking way too hard – I’m guessing this is more of an art display than an actual residence.
Fantastic.
I would spend the first two weeks in that house staring out the windows, and doing nothing else. I imagine I’d get “used to it” eventually but it would be a long adjustment.
ttt3, for privacy I would get some Japan style paper or silk room dividers to set around the bed when you feel the need to block the view. They would look great from the outside too.
It looks to me to be in the early highway overpass school of architecture. The house looks like an overpass with glass walls installed. Now of course the occupants should not throw stones. Rather today put up regular walls and large flat screen tvs, attached to webcams of ones favorite locations, thereby allowing one to have views of where one chooses. (Of course this kills a piece of the location location location mantra)
I like this one in La Jolla:
http://www.sdlookup.com/MLS-090039736-9826_La_Jolla_Farms_Way_La_Jolla_CA_92037
The original asking price was $39M in 2008.
ttt3,
I doubt much that you’d have to worry about keeping cool, considering that looks like all low-e glass. Besides, cooling needs are probably very low considering its placement. Those chilly winter nights, though might be a little different.
Although, I’d say that a special type of person would buy a house like that. One that craves attention more than comfort. Kinda like 6 inch heels on a nearly-over-the-hill cougar. Not very comfortable and lacking soul and character. I can’t yet afford it, but even if I could, I’m not sure it’s private enough for me.
If it was surrounded by 200 acres of vacant land, I’d love it.
Chuck
The views are stunning! My favorite is the 5th thumbnail with the ocean/mountains and the corner glass.
What’s the price, JtR?
Just saw this in the LA Times. “Former Hearst-Davies Mansion for Sale for $95 million”. One of the most famous scenes from “The Godfather” was filmed in this home.
Full article:http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/money_co/2010/09/former-hearst-davies-mansion-for-sale-for-95-million.html
You can build a prison there and it will still be awesome. It’s all about location I guess.
Big Sur is my favorite place in the world. Thank you for showing. If I win the lottery this week, maybe then I can buy it. Thank you for letting us dream.
The space station’s designer and/or owner hated imperfections, stripping them down, polishing them away along with the essence of the home until what was left looked like a cheap throwaway river rock (or a Nike/Ikea joint outlet store in the literal sense). This designer celebrates the materials: wood, stone, cement, glass, and steel. Like a fine restaurant, the menu is short and simple. Execution is everything. nom nom nom
Dear lord, that house makes me cry. I don’t know out of joy or jealousy or all of the above.
That’s a great looking house, period. Sure, its not for everyone, but what house is? My NY Times and coffee would be even better every morning staring out at those cliffs. But, I am kind of surprised they don’t appear to be windows that can be darkened with electronics, I mean I love the glass, but sometimes everyone wants darkness.
Jim , this is cool architecture. Not one of those Stucco Taco Spanish crap.
Love the architecture.
The only problem I have is that even leaving a single pair of shoes somewhere or a fork on the table would make the place look cluttered.
This is in Big Sur, so the place is already pretty private and is definitely remote. I’m guessing it is surrounded by 200 acres of vacant land.
However, the manicured lawn looks completely ridiculous in the midst of the Big Sur wilderness. They definitely should have xeriscaped it.
Big Sur beautiful. Too bad it’s just a dream to be able to find something along these lines on a smaller scale and a much smaller budget.
Much better than the space station. 🙂
Thanks for sharing this, Jim.