RIBA London Awards 2015 Winners

NEO Bankside :: Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners

From a shortlist of 68 buildings, 38 London projects have been awarded the 2015 RIBA London Awards for architectural excellence. Here are the winners.

National Theatre, NT Future :: Haworth Tompkins

Burntwood School :: Allford Hall Monaghan Morris

A Glimpse at the WAF 2014 Shortlist :: Completed Buildings - Small Projects

Strömkajen Ferry Terminals :: Marge Arkitekter :: Sweden

This week, as we continue our series focusing on the World Architecture Festival's 2014 Shortlist, we look at selections from the Small Projects category.

Salvaged Ring :: a21studio :: Vietnam

Sydney Harbour Ferry Wharves Upgrade :: GroupGSA :: Australia

AIA|LA's Breakfast with the Architect Tour :: Koning Eizenberg's "The Sobieski House"

This Sunday from 11am to 1pm, the Los Angeles Chapter of the American Insititute of Architects is offering their second "Breakfast with the Architect" tour, with Koning & Julie Eizenberg, AIA and Hank Koning, FAIA, at the famed Sobieski House in South Pasadena.

AIA's 2014 Housing Award Winners

Sol Duc Cabin :: Seattle, Wa :: Olson Kundig Architects

In an effort to recognize the best in US residential design, the American Institute of Architects has selected ten recipients for their 14th annual Housing Awards. Here's a look at the winners — including the Cherokee Lofts, sold out by deasy/penner&partners in 2012.

Informal House :: South Pasadena, CA :: Koning Eizenberg Architecture, Inc.

Cherokee Studios :: Los Angeles, CA :: Brooks + Scarpa

Indoor/Outdoor Modern Compound

This spectacular one-of-a-kind modern compound boasts 7 beds, 10 baths, and over 9,000 sq ft making it the ultimate entertainer’s dream home! At the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, behind glass gates, you enter an extraordinarily private, over an acre, compound with beautiful views. This cutting-edge design features an open floor plan with retractable walls and glass doors that create the quintessential indoor-outdoor living space. Featuring high ceilings, large bedrooms, gorgeous open staircase, elevator, top-of-the-line chef’s gourmet kitchen, and master suite with his and hers marble baths plus huge his and hers walk in closets. There are six additional bedrooms that can also be used as an office, gym, or movie theater as well as parking for six cars. Two backyards with infinity pool, spa, large grassy lawn, multiple outdoor water features, and one of the most amazing living wall of succulents ever built. Located just minutes from the best shopping and dining in the world.

9852 San Circle, Beverly Hills

for sale - $7,995,000
contact us to request a showing :: 310.275.1000

Coop Himmelb(l)au, Architects :: Himmelhaus

Steps to Abbot Kinney and the beach, this dynamic urban intervention is a rare private residence by the world-renowned Viennese firm, and the first project built by the Austrian team in the United States. Here the architects explode the constraints of functionalism into a thousand pieces, in the process creating a complex sculptural form interwoven with the apparatus of living. An impeccable Bulthaup kitchen and the finest European fixtures and appliances set an uncompromising standard of elegance inside, disguised by the raw drama of the exterior. The expressive use of concrete, glass and structural steel is tempered by an open plan with direct connections to the landscape, natural wood ceilings, the play of daylight and cool ocean breezes. At the top, a generous roof deck commands panoramic 360-degree views from the Getty Center to the Hollywood sign and mountains beyond downtown. Private, gated compound, 3 bed, 3.5 bath in 2,522 square feet.

Architect: Coop Himmelb(l)au, Architects

513 Grand Boulevard, Venice

for sale - price upon request
contact us to request a showing :: 310.275.1000

Winners of AIANY 2014 Design Awards Announced

Danish Maritime Museum :: BIG

The American Institute of Architects’ New York Chapter announced the winners of its 2014 Design Awards this month. Of the 400 submission, only 35 projects were chosen on the merit of their “design quality, response to context and community, program resolution, innovation, thoughtfulness, and technique.” Here's a look at some of the winners.

The Barbarian Group :: Clive Wilkinson Architects

Donald Judd Home and Studio :: Architecture Research Office

1959 Buff & Hensman :: Post & Beam

Perfectly sited on a promontory above a private drive, this 1959 Buff & Hensman takes full advantage of the spectacular mountain vistas and sparkling city lights. A stunning example of the architects' early work, the home utilizes true post & beam construction with walls of glass in every direction. The property underwent both a careful restoration and later addition that was drawn by the original firm. There are two master suites plus a guest bedroom, offering a total of three bedrooms and baths. The bonus area off the kitchen can be utilized as a den or formal dining room. Throughout there are wonderful selections of tile and stone, along with truly beautiful cabinetry and woodwork. Extensive outdoor lighting, music in & out plus outdoor shower are just a few of the amenities that make this the ideal city retreat.

7256 Sunnydip Trail, Sunset Strip

for sale $2,295,000
contact us to request a showing :: 310.275.1000

Extreme Restoration :: Peeling Back Layers to Reveal a Hidden Architectural Treasure

deasy/penner clients Kevin Lane and Shev Rush are business executives with a love of architecture and a weakness for restoring historic homes that have been remodeled beyond recognition. They’ve done it with homes by architects Palmer & Krisel in Palm Springs, Gregory Ain in Silver Lake, and one of the Donald Wexler Steel Homes in Palm Springs - but they almost met their match with their latest project in the Old Las Palmas neighborhood of Palm Springs.  It’s one thing to see an old home in need of heavy restoration; it’s quite another to have little semblance of the original structure left. Like an archeologist, one must peel back layers of material to discover sometimes infinitesimal clues.  It’s the kind of painstaking work that few have the time or patience to undertake, but Lane and Rush temper the stress by reveling in every small victory along the way.  

“Strangely, we were both told by guidance counselors growing up that we weren’t strong enough in math to be architects, and we both listened, for some reason. That didn’t curb either of our passion for architecture and design, and we’ve made it our avocation. In an age where many architectural homes have been remodeled beyond recognition, we have found it incredibly fulfilling to bring these homes back to their original states,” says Lane.

375 West Via Lola, Palm Springs

for sale $2,595,000
contact us to request a showing :: 310.275.1000

Rear of Residence facing Mountains (before and after)

When they first walked into the house in 2007, they knew only that Sidney Sheldon had extensively remodeled and altered the original residence. The exterior was cosmetically finished to resemble a Spanish Revival house, the grounds were styled in a French village aesthetic, and the large original swimming pool was enclosed in a glass and steel pool house structure which covered more than half of the rear yard, blocking the mountain views.

Entryway (before and after)

“We went to see the house originally because of the roofline in the listing photos – even though it had been modified, it looked like it belonged to a mid-century ranch house. Once we got there, though, it was incredibly hard to see past the remodel. Kevin and I met in the middle after about 15 minutes and said ‘let’s go,’ but then Kevin turned around, walked into a corner, knelt down at a piece of loose carpeting, and pulled it back. That’s when we saw the terrazzo floor and started to piece together what the house actually was,” says Rush.

Living Room (before and after)

Beverly Hills P.O. Architectural :: Steven Shortridge, AIA

This stunning hilltop home was designed by Steven Shortridge, AIA, known for his highly livable contemporary architecture. The brick-clad ground level houses the residence's public functions, with generous circulation that leads from the entry to an expansive living space. Frameless glass walls seamlessly capture the panoramic views and open onto a terrace with an infinity pool and spa. A large open kitchen, butler's pantry, bar and media room complete the suite of entertaining spaces. Throughout the first floor, brick walls and polished concrete floors are balanced by white walnut planked walls and ceilings that provide a sense of warmth and intimacy within the large volumes. 

The second story, conceived as a floating box of white plaster and glass, hovers above the ground floor and houses the home's private spaces. Here, a gracious 1,500 square foot master bedroom suite is situated to frame the breathtaking vistas with a large sitting area, bath and private office. The home has three additional bedroom suites and all the luxuries expected.

1278 Angelo Drive, Beverly Hills P.O.

for sale $12,500,000
contact us to request a showing :: 310.275.1000

My Bridge As Art

Helix Bridge :: Cox Architecture w/ Architects 61 :: Singapore

With the skies over California mercifully opening this weekend, it seems fitting to take a look at some architectural means of conveyance over water - and traffic - ways from around the world.

Leonardo Da Vinci Golden Horn Bridge :: Leonardo Da Vinchi & Vebjørn Sand :: Akershus, Norway

Octávio Frias de Oliveira Bridge :: São Paulo¸ Brazil

Mid-Century Modern Redesigned by Architect David Levitt

Mid-century modern masterpiece in Nichols Canyon meticulously redesigned & updated by AIA Award-Winning Architect David Levitt. Beautiful incorporation of period details with modern influences. Open floor plan flows from common rooms through 21-ft Fleetwood pocket sliders opening to freshly landscaped grounds & refinished pool completely integrating indoor & outdoor spaces. All new windows & sliders, new custom-stained rift sawn white oaks floors, remodeled kitchen with custom wood cabinetry, Caesarstone countertops & high-end built-in appliances. Remodeled bathrooms including jet bath in the master, custom wood vanities with Caesarstone countertops & European tile. New systems include electric, roof, HVAC & plumbing. Designer lighting throughout. 

7536 Kimdale Lane, Hollywood Hills

for sale $1,899,000
contact us to request a showing :: 310.275.1000

Presented by Daniel Blanchik and Amy Dantzler :: Berkshire Hathaway, Beverly Hills

Julia Morgan Day at the Annenberg Community Beach House

In celebration of trailblazing architect Julia Morgan's posthumously awarded 2014 AIA Gold Medal, the Annenberg Community Beach House will be offering special "Julia Morgan Legacy Tours" on Sunday, March 2nd from 11am to 2pm. The 5-acre Beach House was originally the site of actress Marion Davies' rambling estate, which was developed in the 1920's by William Randolph Hearst. As with his iconic Hearst Castle, Hearst leaned heavily on Morgan's architectural vision for the design and layout of the estate. These docent led tours will highlight Morgan's contributions to the what currently stands as the impressive Annenberg Community Beach House.

William Randolph Hearst & Julia Morgan during construction of the Hearst Castle in 1926

Bright Contemporary :: Outpost Estates

Designed by an Architect as his personal residence, this recently-built home features soaring ceilings and walls of glass in an ideal Outpost Estates location. The open, loft-like rooms are filled with light, warmed by beautifully stained wide-plank walnut floors and views of the property’s mature landscaping and surrounding hillside. A voluminous living area features a built-in entertainment center, crushed glass fireplace and opens on to the sparkling pool. The open plan kitchen boasts top of the line appliances and tasteful finishes. There are 3 bedrooms, one of which has been configured as an office, with open walls and large windows to take advantage of the home’s best views. There is a large laundry room as well as a meticulous 2-car garage. Seller is very motivated and this home is priced to sell.

2613 Carman Crest, Hollywood Hills

for sale $2,495,000
contact us to request a showing :: 310.275.1000