STUDIOHAU DESIGNS RESILIENT HOME FOR CASE STUDY 2.0
StudioHAU’s single family home design has been selected for Crest Real Estate’s Case Study 2.0 program. Crest describes the program as a catalog of single-family model homes that will ultimately be approved as Standard Plans to allow easy adoption across thousands of parcels in an effort to streamline fire rebuild efforts. Additional information as well as our selected design can be found on the website linked above.
Designed to reflect an efficient, resilient lifestyle, the design of the house references contemporary principles of the LA Case Study houses. The form is generated by two fire resistant volumes, one clad in smooth troweled cement plaster, the other in metal panels. One volume is split open to create an outdoor dining court, the other lifted up to create an open lower level that visually and physically connects to the front and back gardens. A central circulation spine connects and provides access to all spaces. The upper volume houses the master bedroom suite and an additional bedroom. These rooms have small but strategically placed windows and thin skylights to bring in natural light without over exposure to a potential fire hazard.
The design is efficient, flexible, and emulates the casual Southern California life style with interior spaces connecting to outdoor living spaces. The house has the flexibility to interchange location of dining room and family room, convert the lower bedroom area into two bedrooms, or a single bedroom and study, or a home office. Thus, the spaces can adapt to the needs of the occupants, as well and change over time. A large “ofuro” tub and bathroom can be used for the family, or for a quiet spa experience. An ADU ready additional living space with fold down bed, built in bathroom, and kitchenette connected to the garage adds another living space for a gr owing family.
The house is compact with interior spaces interconnected by an open plan, providing a mixture of defined and open spaces. Notably, the ground floor rooms have direct physical connections to exterior gardens further emphasizing indoor-outdoor living which provides a versatile use of spaces appropriate for the warm climate in Southern California.