ANACAPA's grassy 'rincon house' embeds into california's coastline

underground architecture facing the pacific

The newly unveiled Rincon House, designed by architecture studio ANACAPA, is embedded into the hilly, coastal terrain of Carpinteria, California. The dwelling frames sweeping views of the Santa Barbara coastline and the Channel Islands beyond. The design takes a respectful approach, integrating humbly with its surroundings rather than dominating the landscape. It is made up of a series of horizontal planes that appear to be nested into the hillside, a design which serves a dual purpose — it creates a sense of shelter for the occupants while maximizing the panoramic views outward. Green roofs further exaggerate this camouflaging effect as the structure disappears into the land from above and is gradually revealed upon approach from a lower vantage point.

anacapa’s terraced dwelling

The architects at ANACAPA curate the main entrance of the 4,200-square-foot Rincon House as a unique and expressive space. Here, the ‘erosion’ of the building’s mass is most pronounced. A soaring horizontal element defines the entry point without fully revealing the interior, blurring the lines between the interiors and the natural surroundings. This unconventional approach moves away from the typical grand reveal of the view upon entering to create a sense of anticipation and intrigue. Upon entering, residents are not immediately bombarded with the full panoramic vista. Instead, the design team strategically employs framed views of the sky, curated courtyards, and intimate inward-looking gardens. This approach allows for a more gradual and intimate connection with the surrounding nature which builds towards a grand reveal.

ANACAPA’s Rincon House is embedded into the hillside, framing views of the California coast

rincon house connects with nature

As residents move downward to the main living space of ANACAPA’s Rincon House, the panoramic view comes into full focus. However, the architects go beyond just providing a postcard view of the California coast and the Pacific Ocean. An internal courtyard nestled within the hillside creates a physical connection to the natural elements and fosters a sense of harmony between the residents and their environment. This approach avoids the feeling of contextual disconnection often found in contemporary architecture, offering a more holistic and enriching experience of nature.

green roofs camouflage the structure, revealing it gradually as you approach

the design respects the landscape, with the house appearing nestled into the hillside
the wide, framed view unfolds as residents descend to the main living space