A Glimpse at the WAF 2014 Shortlist :: Completed Buildings - Cultural

Akiha Ward Cultural Center :: Chiaki Arai Urban and Architecture Design :: Niigata City, Japan

The World Architecture Festival 2014 - the world's largest architectural awards festival - taking place at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore Oct. 1-3 has just released a shortlist, featuring more than 300 projects from over 40 different countries. In a series looking at some of the selected projects from across the 30 individual award categories, we start with Completed Buildings - Cultural.

Opera Florence :: ABDR Architetti Associati :: Florence, Italy

Garangula Gallery :: Fender Katsalidis Mirams Architects ::  Harden, NSW Australia

Bombay Arts Society :: Sanjay Puri :: Mumbai, India

The Robert Smith Residence :: Eugene Weston & Douglas Byles, Architects

Prolific Architect Eugene Weston teamed with Douglas Byles to create this iconic Mid-Century post and beam. Featured in the May 1950 edition of Arts & Architecture, and known as the Robert Smith Residence, this quintessential California home features three bedrooms, and three bathrooms in a sprawling open floor plan that seamlessly transitions from interior to exterior space. The focal point of the home is the pristine saline pool and spa visible from nearly every room. Updated with only the finest materials, including marble, glass tiles, and solid maple wood floors. This is truly a modernist dream with the privacy and serenity of Pasadena living.

320 San Miguel Road, Pasadena

for sale - $1,698,000
contact us to request a showing ::626.683.0777

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.

Black Desert House :: Marc Atlan Design with Oller & Pejic, Architects

Beyond shelter, Black Desert House is an artistic counter-point to a landscape born of fire, 

and sculpted over the last 100 million years. Conceived to read as a shadow cast within great 

piles of monzogranite boulders, the residence offers the quintessential desert experience: 

immersion into the timelessness of the vast desert panorama. By day the residence protects 

like a cave; at night it dissolves in the surrounding array of stars. Informed by the modernist 

aesthetic, the geometry of the structure minimizes distractions, while curtain glass walls 

eliminate indoor-outdoor distinctions. The public spaces open to the sheltered entry courtyard,

broad view terraces, and the private swimming pool.

Sited at a cooler elevation of over 4000 feet on 2.5 acres, the gated residence includes open

plan living areas, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a 2 car carport.

Yucca Valley, California

for sale - $975,000
contact us to request a showing :: 310.275.1000

Presented by Stephen Skuris :: Crosby Doe

Happy 4th of July!

The Hollywood Bowl July 4th Fireworks Spectacular

With the 4th of July weekend upon us, we look at some of the regions best secret - and not-so-secret - spots from which to observe and celebrate America's independence. 

Queen Mary All-American Fourth of July

The Long Beach Kids’ Bike Parade

1925 Oak Knoll English :: Witmer & Watson, Architects

This stately English brick home built in 1925 by Architects Witmer & Watson is sited beautifully on a large lot in the Oak Knoll area of Pasadena. The vaulted entry hall leads to all the areas of the home. A large living room with stone fireplace that opens on both sides to the landscaped yard, library with brick fireplace, three bedroom en-suites on the main floor, formal dining room with view of the romantic outdoor dining patio, large cook’s kitchen with Wolf range and architectural staircase leading to a fourth bedroom suite. The yard has an English garden feel, with mature fruit trees, raised beds, oak trees, arbors and room to expand. Currently being used as an artist studio, the garage is flooded with light from a glass garage door. Original details and recent upgrades marry the past and present together to make this gated, private estate feel like an oasis.

840 Fairfield Circle, Pasadena

for sale - $2,198,000
contact us to request a showing :: 626.683.0777

Presented by Jennifer Parker-Stanton :: deasy/penner&partners

My Pool As Art

In celebration of the beginning of summer, we take a look at some inspiring takes on the classic swimming hole.

Mar Vista Modern

Brand new construction 2014 AIH development. Private modern oasis w/high ceilings & walls of glass create indoor/outdoor garden rooms that have tree top views with incredible natural light! The spacious open floor plan has a masterful blend of warm woods; from hand oiled oak floors to 8 foot white oak doors. Custom walnut cabinetry throughout, interior & custom milled clear cedar siding outdoors. Chef's kitchen has a built-in pantry, center island, Viking appliances with Calcutta marble counter tops & back splash. Bathrooms have a variety of herringbone Calcutta marble, glazed Japanese ceramic til...e, Grohe fixtures & deep soak tub in master with double Duravit sinks. Master is located upstairs at rear of house and has a large walk-in closet & private balcony with custom iron railing. Two additional bedrooms upstairs & den with floating glass railing. One bedroom is located downstairs with private bath, overlooking the backyard. California green home, over sized 2 car garage, fire sprinklers, eco cistern, & more! 

3489 Greenwood Avenue, Mar Vista

for sale - $1,995,000
contact us to request a showing :: 310.275.1000

My (Mobile) Home As Art

Chamfer Home :: S-Archetype

In honor of the official start of summer this Saturday, we take a look at some architectural spins on the classic mobile home.

Atelier Tekuto :: Mobile Smile Project

Rolling Hut :: OSKA Architects

The O'Melveny House, 1908 :: Hunt, Eager & Burns, Architects

As historic as Windsor Square itself, the O'Melveny house hums with old world charm and sophistication. Originally built in 1908 by famed architects Hunt, Eager and Burns for attorney Henry O'Melveny, this exquisite English Craftsman style estate has been meticulously restored to preserve its incredible heritage and original splendor and is now a registered Los Angeles Cultural Monument. Enter through the hand-crafted mahogany doorway into the spectacular wood-paneled foyer. The gracious formal living room leads out to an expansive covered patio and the elegant formal dining room looks onto the immaculate outdoor space. Inviting study, library, and remodeled attic media room. The beautifully updated kitchen features stainless steel appliances, center island, and spacious butler's pantry. The master bedroom offers his and her closets, a rare treat for such a historic home. The gorgeous grounds offer lawns, fireplace, meditation pond, pool and spa. An absolute treasure in the heart of Los Angeles.

501 S. Plymouth Boulevard, Windsor Square

for sale - $7,695,000
contact us to request a showing :: 310.275.1000

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

Modern Remodel in Santa Barbara

Originally built in 1964, Architect Dan Weber has instilled new life into this incomparable space. Inspiration,... individuality and sensuality vibrate throughout each thoughtfully designed element of the home's sophisticated architecture.The interiors offer luxurious finishes, floating design elements & wall-to-wall expanses of glass that blur the line between indoor and outdoor living. Al fresco entertaining terraces offer expansive views, from East Beach to the Santa Barbara Harbor. This design-forward Riviera home is the ultimate in modern Santa Barbara living.

917 Paseo Ferrelo, Santa Barbara

for sale - $3,500,000
contact us to request a showing :: 310.275.1000

The Millard Kaufman Residence, 1949

Hidden from the street behind a wall of foliage sits an architectural gem known as The Millard Kaufman Residence 1949. This very private masterpiece of modern California architecture situated in the hills of Mulholland features an addition by legendary modernist architect Richard Neutra & vibrant landscaping by celebrated landscape architect Garrett Eckbo w/ lush trees surrounding the pool at the front of the property. Additional terraces, lawns & seating areas line the perimeter, including a firepit patio w/ stunning city views. Interiors of rich wood lead to an open living room, kitchen & breakfast area that is both spacious & cozy w/ large windows and skylights. Downstairs is comprised entirely by the master suite lined with a wall of glass facing out to a private deck and city views. With all the finest finishes, appliances & a wireless iPhone-compatible sound system built-in throughout, this hidden treasure is an ideal living space & perfect for entertaining.

3574 Multiview Drive, Hollywood Hills

for sale - $2,300,000
contact us to request a showing :: 310.275.1000

John Byers: Master Architect + Adobe Builder Trio of Events :: Sponsored by deasy/penner&partners

A trio of events will be hosted by the Santa Monica Conservancy in celebration of the architectural accomplishments of John Byers. John Byers was a renowned Santa Monica architect who incorporated authentic craftsmanship typical of Mexican and Latin American homes using adobe walls, terra cotta roof and floor tiles, handcrafted wood and wrought iron. He became a leader in popularizing the Spanish Colonial Revival style.

LECTURE
Sunday, June 1st :: 1pm Unitarian Universalist Church, 1260 18th St, Santa Monica

TOUR
Sunday, June 8th :: 12pm to 5pm Check-in at 2101 La Mesa Drive, Santa Monica

RECEPTION
Sunday, June 8th :: 5pm to 7pm 1602 Georgina Avenue, Santa Monica

To purchase tickets visit www.smconservancy.org, or mail a check by June 4th to: Santa Monica Conservancy PO Box 653 Santa Monica, CA 90406

Prices are as follows: Lecture $15 ($10 for SM Conservancy members); Tour $45 ($35 for SM Conservancy members); Reception $125 ($100 for SM Conservancy members); Tour & Reception: $150 ($125 for SM Conservancy members).