Birnam Wood

Birnam Wood Contemporary

Situated within the dramatic park-like setting of a golf course fairway in Montecito, the residence design emphasizes building and landscape as a sculptural backdrop for living. Juxtaposition of privacy within a public realm, and expressed use of materials through refined detailing are relevant themes. To enhance the building's integration with the site, the planar wall design and the strategic placement of openings, fenestration and corners dissolve the division of house and site. In some areas, grade is retained at window sill or sitting eye level to enhance the visual connection to the site and distant mountain views. Site walls extend directly from the building to define the entranceway and frame views of the landscaping, and the use of subtly graded lawn and minimal landscaping enhance the sculptural quality of the design. An interior courtyard creates a private space that is transformed into an outdoor living area through the use of oversized sliding pocket doors that are completely concealed within the walls. The open plan and high volume roof planes visually connect the living spaces, creating a spacious and livable environment.

Custom detailing and the expressed use of stucco, stone, glass, metal and wood materials for their inherent natural characteristics further enhance the minimalist yet functional design. The use of flush/frameless pivot doors throughout the house creates continuous, uninterrupted wall planes. On the exterior, the custom copper wall and fascia veneer panels take advantage of intrinsic material capabilities and provide a well-articulated design. Integrally colored cast-in-place concrete floors function as an aesthetic finish floor surface as well as thermal mass for the hydronic radiant heating system. Custom cast lightweight concrete is used for its sculptural capabilities to create a freestanding bathtub, a pedestal sink and kitchen island elements.