Pushing the boundaries of analysis, design and construction tools requires a certain mindset and team approach not frequently available to residential projects. A cultural center and residence for two permanent occupants on top of a hill in southern California is challenging as a sustainable design, but when design ideas, beauty and innovation are at the top of a client’s priority list right next to ambitious performance goals, the design and construction team must step up to the challenge.

The building at sunset.

Echelman sculpture and main stair.

Lower Level Bar with Tomas Saraceno piece (left) and dining area at sunset (right).

This project is a two-story mixed-use program combining an cultural  center (artist studios, exhibition galleries, office spaces and a 30-person theater) with a single-family residence. Designed by Robin Donaldson of Donaldson+Partners and the clients as an art piece, the project is conceived as an extension of the ridge top, with the entire program under a green roof garden and views south to the Pacific Ocean from the top floor. The building shell and structure is made of high-density concrete. The curved roof is cut off in areas to open up walls to views for large gallery spaces, as well as creating smaller working spaces and living areas for the rest of the program.

Programmatic and site conditions constrained the design, while the budget was primarily determined by value for cost. The clients desired a resilient net-zero building with superior occupant comfort and efficient energy systems. They wanted the ability to maintain operation during a power outage in response to environmental events and to function smoothly as climate change continued to impact the weather.

L+U helped develop the resiliency system, design the envelope and specify components including as insulation, thermal mass, glazing and shade to ensure  that the project fulfilled the California Energy Code requirements and also achieved net-zero energy performance and resiliency conditions in case of a long power outage caused by a natural disaster. We also provided interior, exterior and landscape lighting design, HVAC design assistance, thermal and visual comfort analysis, and curatorial studies to select ideal locations for art  exhibition based on light exposure throughout the year.

 

Game room with open hangar door to avocado courtyard.

Main exhibition space with open hangar door to deck with views to the Pacific Ocean. Photo by Joe Fletcher.

“Behind The Scenes” (left) and “The Boulder” (right) exhibition spaces.

Kusama piece in southern deck.