bestor architecture design low-impact topanga canyon house

bestor architecture designs topanga canyon house
all images courtesy of bestor architecture

bestor architecture has designed an open air pavilion for in- and outdoor living nestled into the rolling hills of southern california. ‘topanga canyon house’ uses delicate symmetry and crisp white volumes to frame the surrounding bucolic california landscape. located near santa monica’s third largest watershed, the home enjoys a site replete with expanses of rocky landscape, picturesque cliffs, and chaparral shrubbery. the two main spaces are staggered and separated from a organic farm by a water feature, which additionally serves as a passive cooling device. over 40 fruit and olive trees continue the region’s highly prized open space reserve status, while the architecture itself employs several tectonic mechanisms to facilitate outdoor living. a 12 foot deep porch provides ample shade and large sliding glass doors assist in the home‘s integration with the landscape. a high pitched roof makes for a passive cooling strategy via stack effect; additionally white metal skin reflects heat, low-e coating on windows prevents solar gain and energy can be harnessed by embedded photovoltaic roof panels. interiors are complete with generous amounts of natural daylight afforded by expanses of glazing as well as the prevalence of streamlined, wide-grained wood storage units. an open plan and high ceilings are facilitated by a continuation of the custom trusses that so characterize the vertices of the home and are a welcome tectonic contrast with the impressive canyon that embraces the low-impact home.

large sliding glass doors and a deep overhang facilitate a blend of indoor and outdoor living