Montalba Architects received seven awards in 2019 for the design of the newly completed 4,200 square-foot residential property. A “matchbox” concept is the driving force behind the design of this residence in Pasadena. The layered volumes of the structure are integrated into the downhill slope of the lot, creating open spaces between the structures for integrated planting areas, covered terraces, and dual linear water features for passive cooling.

Outdoor breezeways, porches, courtyards, covered walkways, and an immense rooftop deck extend the reaches of the limited floor area to the outdoors and provide immense views. The house includes guest suites, a home office, gym, and a theatre screening room, as well as abundant outdoor spaces, all showcasing views of the surrounding hills and valley. 

The entry space flows with the landscape, guiding visitors along a reaching sidewalk that extends under the mass of the building. The compression of the resulting space offers a unique arrival experience incorporating the natural creek just beyond the front door, which is nestled on the second floor. Following the existing creek, the front stairs create an arching path to a bridged entry portal, all the while showcasing panoramic views of the house. As the front door opens, the dark, angular façade of paneled concrete gives way to a light-filled interior of softwood and bright white finishes. Upon entering, visitors find themselves within an indoor/outdoor living space. Once inside the residence, stairs descend to a private screening room or ascend to the third-floor living spaces.

2019 awards for this property include:

2019 AIA LA Residential Architecture Award, Honor Award

2019 AIA California Residential Award, Honor Award

2019 American MasterPrize

2019 The American Architecture Awards, Chicago Anthenaeum

2019 WAN Awards, House of the Year

2019 DNA Paris Design Awards

2019 LABC Awards

2019 WAF Awards, House - Finalist

Montalba Architects has recently completed a bevy of additional projects in the Los Angeles area and beyond, including the Headspace offices in Santa Monica, the BLDWN store in Los Angeles, the Zen Suite at the Whitepod Resort, residences in Switzerland, New York, and Los Angeles, and the Nobu Hotel in Palo Alto, with more to come throughout 2020.

About Montalba Architects

Founding Principal David Montalba, FAIA, SIA, started Montalba Architects in 2004 and is the driving force of leadership and design within the firm. Montalba Architects is a diverse architecture and design studio of more than 60 designers based in Santa Monica, CA, with a satellite office in Lausanne, Switzerland. The award-winning practice is engaged in retail, residential, and other select commercial projects in the United States, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Believing that architecture and one’s environment can truly improve quality of life, Montalba's approach is humanistic in nature, which often leads to solutions that are discrete, contextual, yet conceptual in their intent, effect, and appeal. Montalba Architects’ original Santa Monica studio is located within Bergamot Station, a creative hub and arts district at 2525 Michigan Ave., Bldg. T4, Santa Monica, CA. Montalba Architects, Sàrl is located at Rue Centrale 6, 4 eme stage, Lausanne, CH-1003, Switzerland.

Further information about Montalba Architects and a full suite of project images can be found at 

www.montalbaarchitects.com.