The Montecito Residence sits in the secluded hills of Santa Barbara. The site occupies an environmentally sensitive habitat defined by mature oak trees, dense vegetation, and large boulders. The project includes a 3,360‑square‑foot main residence, a 500‑square‑foot garage, a sun‑deck structure adjacent to a 50‑foot lap pool, and an existing guest house.
The design divides the main residence into two wings. One wing accommodates the living and kitchen areas, while the other contains the bedrooms, bathrooms, and library. Topography strongly shapes the layout. By siting the building around protected oaks and boulders, the design frames intimate courtyards and allows the rugged landscape to engage closely with the architecture.
Exposed steel, glass, concrete, and insulated metal panels define the building’s construction. The Montecito Residence embraces indoor‑outdoor living made possible by the mild climate of the California coast. Rather than relying on air‑conditioning, the house cools itself through cross‑ventilation. Large operable sectional glass doors, sliding doors, and windows allow occupants to adjust interior conditions quickly in response to climate and comfort.
Solar collector panels supply the radiant heating system. Additional energy‑conscious features include high‑efficiency boilers, photovoltaic panels, and an Energy Star–rated cool roof.
