HOUSE OF HORIZON
CONCEPTUAL DESIGN | 2024
Location:
Montecito, California
Project Type:
Residential
Size:
6,500 SF
A Symphony of Sky and Earth.
Perched atop the rolling hills of Montecito, with sweeping vistas of the Santa Barbara coastline and the distant Channel Islands, the House of Horizon was envisioned as an architectural ode to the interplay of earth and sky. This project responds to the serenity and grandeur of its site, creating a minimalist retreat that celebrates light, landscape, and the ever-changing horizon. The site captures expansive views of the Pacific Ocean while remaining cradled by the gentle contours of the Santa Ynez Mountains. Its orientation was carefully chosen to maximize the connection to the horizon—a line where earth and sky meet in quiet dialogue. This project began as an exploration of how architecture can frame and enhance these sublime natural moments. The design embraces simplicity and restraint, creating spaces that heighten the experience of dwelling in a place where time feels suspended.
Visitors approach the house via a winding driveway that ascends through native chaparral, building anticipation as glimpses of the ocean appear. Upon arrival, the entry sequence is understated, inviting discovery rather than spectacle. A reflecting pool greets guests, mirroring the sky and setting the tone for the house’s dialogue with its surroundings.
The central living space is an open pavilion-like volume, enclosed by glass walls that slide away to transform the interior into an outdoor terrace. The connection to the horizon is ever-present, from the tranquil infinity pool that seems to merge with the ocean, to the sheltered outdoor fireplace where one can watch the sun dip below the waterline.
The material palette for the House of Horizon is rooted in the natural environment, featuring warm-toned concrete, smooth plaster, and soft timber accents. These materials reflect the hues of the surrounding hills, allowing the home to merge effortlessly with its landscape. Expansive glass walls and large cantilevered rooflines emphasize horizontality, drawing the eye outward and blurring the boundaries between interior and exterior.
Private areas, including bedrooms and home office, are strategically placed to offer moments of solitude and reflection, while still framing views of the landscape. Each space is designed to provide a sense of calm and grounding, ensuring that the architecture serves as a sanctuary from the busy world below.
The House of Horizon is a place to pause and witness the poetry of light, landscape, and time. It is an architecture of reflection and connection, crafted to heighten awareness of the beauty that exists at the meeting of earth and sky.
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CASA DEL SOL
SOLACE POINT
BASE CAMP