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MAR VISTA

LOS ANGELES, CA

Architecture Informed by Technology Sustainability Innovation, Mar Vista Residence in Los Angeles by Tighe Architecture

This urban villa comprised of three discrete building components defines a protected central courtyard garden—a refuge in the middle of Los Angeles. The constituent parts diminish the scale of the project bringing the whole into a more harmonious relationship with the users. The residence challenges notions of urban vs. suburban: while located in a large city, the design faces inward providing privacy, a peaceful environment, and solitude. 

Architecture Informed by Technology Sustainability Innovation, Mar Vista Residence in Los Angeles by Tighe Architecture
Architecture Informed by Technology Sustainability Innovation, Mar Vista Residence in Los Angeles by Tighe Architecture
Architecture Informed by Technology Sustainability Innovation, Mar Vista Residence in Los Angeles by Tighe Architecture

LOCATION

Mar Vista, CA

PROGRAM

Single Family Residence

SIZE

3,700 sq ft

STATUS

Completed 2008

DISTINCTION

Dwell Home Tour

AIA Home Tour

COLLABORATORS

Gilsanz Murry Steficek, Structural

Architecture Informed by Technology Sustainability Innovation, Mar Vista Residence in Los Angeles by Tighe Architecture
Architecture Informed by Technology Sustainability Innovation, Mar Vista Residence in Los Angeles by Tighe Architecture
Architecture Informed by Technology Sustainability Innovation, Mar Vista Residence in Los Angeles by Tighe Architecture

The main house, a two-story building, contains the living functions. Folded planes define the roof and walls, and windows perforate the building in a seemingly haphazard way, but are intentionally located to maximize select views and allow light to penetrate the interior. A double-height volume articulates the main living area where an oversized fireplace extends beyond the roof plane. The pool house and guest wing—a pair of modernist boxes—are a restrained counterpoint to the main residence. These simple structures mirror each other at either end of the open outdoor space. A swimmers’ pool accentuates the axis and appears to float on the carpet of green landscape. The artist’s studio rests on pilotis projecting over the pool allowing space for a pool cabana below. Guest quarters are located above the garage and accessed via a bridge connecting the second-story elements and serving as the main entry of the property.

Architecture Informed by Technology Sustainability Innovation, Mar Vista Residence in Los Angeles by Tighe Architecture
Architecture Informed by Technology Sustainability Innovation, Mar Vista Residence in Los Angeles by Tighe Architecture
Architecture Informed by Technology Sustainability Innovation, Mar Vista Residence in Los Angeles by Tighe Architecture
Architecture Informed by Technology Sustainability Innovation, Mar Vista Residence in Los Angeles by Tighe Architecture
Architecture Informed by Technology Sustainability Innovation, Mar Vista Residence in Los Angeles by Tighe Architecture
Architecture Informed by Technology Sustainability Innovation, Mar Vista Residence in Los Angeles by Tighe Architecture
Architecture Informed by Technology Sustainability Innovation, Mar Vista Residence in Los Angeles by Tighe Architecture
Architecture Informed by Technology Sustainability Innovation, Mar Vista Residence in Los Angeles by Tighe Architecture
Architecture Informed by Technology Sustainability Innovation, Mar Vista Residence in Los Angeles by Tighe Architecture
Architecture Informed by Technology Sustainability Innovation, Mar Vista Residence in Los Angeles by Tighe Architecture
Architecture Informed by Technology Sustainability Innovation, Mar Vista Residence in Los Angeles by Tighe Architecture
Architecture Informed by Technology Sustainability Innovation, Mar Vista Residence in Los Angeles by Tighe Architecture
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