Venice Beach bungalow among the trees

This striking home was designed for a couple by architectural designer Sebastian Mariscal with an emphasis on retaining the existing trees and a seamless connection between indoors and out. There were several mature trees on the site which Sebastian insisted be kept despite the challenge of building around some of them. The way he dealt with that was to give every room in the house a corresponding outdoor space, integrated with nature. Each room ended up with its own deck, patio, roof garden, or courtyard and in totality these spaces were a replacement for the traditional back yard. This principle also worked well with the owners requirement to accomodate long term guests while preserving privacy and space for all occupants.

The use of ebony stained cedar cladding and corten steel screens provide a striking contrast and balance against the natural surrounds. Overall the home is an architectural triumph.

[Photography by Coral von Zumwalt]