MORE MESA RESIDENCE

MORE MESA RESIDENCE

AB design studio transformed this existing mid-century ranch home into a high-end residence with additional dwelling unit (ADU). Planted on top of a slope overlooking the More Mesa Park in Santa Barbara, the architects created a living space that blends indoors and outdoors. The living room, central to the whole design, is remarkably open to both front & back yard through large, elegant sliding doors. With this openness, the architects demonstrate an unconventional way of defining private-public boundaries. The family spaces are not delimited by the building envelope, but extend to the property line, appropriating the outdoor as an integral part of the living spaces.

Trapezoid shaped concrete monoliths that pierce through the roof, further anchor the building around the living room. One of these monoliths hosts the fireplace, becoming the main gathering space for the family. The Living room also embraces the full height of the highest pitched roof and is the largest volume.