sebastian mariscal establishes a harmonious balance for venice house in california

sebastian mariscal’s ‘venice house’ project achieves a harmonious balance between interior and exterior by blurring the distinction between indoor and outdoor living. the californian home explores the idea of compound structures by integrating each section into the natural landscape.

in the main living area five doors slide into a pocket, creating an almost 23-foot-wide (2m) opening
image © yoshi koitani

the 5,600 square foot (520m) piece of land was brought by michael sylvester and his wife tamami, who lived in an existing bungalow prior to the current development. the couple invited boston-based architect sebastian mariscal, to construct a new house in its place which would respond to the natural surroundings and warm californian climate. the blueprint was dictated by mariscal’s wish to keep all of the existing trees including a 40-foot pine tree (37m), a california live oak and a magnolia. a series of individual modules were introduced in order to work around the complex framework, as well as a deck, patio, roof garden and courtyard which would help to intrinsically link the whole construction. 

the blueprint was dictated by mariscal’s wish to keep all of the existing trees
image © michael sylvester

each room corresponds to the outside space, allowing natural daylight, shadows and reflections to filter into the interior to create an ever-changing setting. the size of each area is intimately scaled, which provides a sense of privacy within each individual module. michael sylvester explains that they wanted family and guests to have their own private space integrated within nature, so that you wouldn’t know if someone else was in the neighbouring room. 

the house achieves a harmonious balance between indoor and outdoor living
image © yoshi koitani

the knotty cedar cladding forms a stark impression on the land, and was pretreated with an ebony stain before it was brought, so that it could adjust to the seaside air before installation. inside the interior, mahogany-frame doors define specific viewpoints towards each area. in the main living area for example, five doors slide into a pocket, creating an almost 23-foot-wide (2m) opening. this feature is repeated on the opposite side, allowing a natural breeze to sweep into the lounge and through to the rest of the californian home.

the fireplace carries warm air across the dinning table
image © benjamin ariff 

the roof garden and courtyard helps to intrinsically link the construction
image © benjamin ariff 

each room corresponds to the outside space
image © designboom 

the living room establishes a modular setting within the environment
image © designboom 

mahogany-frame doors define specific viewpoints towards each area
image © benjamin ariff 

living space
image © benjamin ariff 

 the opening on both sides allows a natural breeze to sweep through the interior
image © benjamin ariff 

the living space looks out onto the pine needle courtyard
image © benjamin ariff 

the knotty cedar cladding forms a stark impression on the land
image © benjamin ariff 

the use of individual blocks allows for an added sense of privacy
image © benjamin ariff 

the construction was built around a 40-foot pine tree, a california live oak and a magnolia
image © michael sylvester

pathway leading up to the courtyard and living room
image © designboom 

bamboo plants create a shaded area
image © designboom 

michael sylvester and his wife tamami
image © designboom 

project info:

location: venice, california USA
date of completion: 2013
dimensions: 240 sqm house
rooms: 4 bedroom
design: sebastian mariscal studio
project manager: jeff svitak
landscape: jack kiesel
interiors: delta wright
video: directed and produced by benjamin ariff

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