33rd Street

While a very small firm, Rockefeller Partners Architects based out of El Segundo, California has a team of architects each with a very interesting background. While i really love almost all of their projects, 33rd Street in Manhattan Beach, California is by far my favorite. What attracted me to this home most of all was the use of wood throughout its design. This home is on a very small parcel of land with very close proximity to the street. Completed in 2008, it is about 4500 sqft but most of this square footage is vertically due to the 30x60ft envelope of the home.

  What is so stunning about this home is the use of materials and the proportions that are used both in the interior and the exterior. The open floor plan combined with the wood paneled ceilings really creates this intimate but open space. The wood really adds to the intimacy, while the glass opens the space up to endless views surrounding. What's great is the rooms that expand outside onto balconies and porches around the home. The interior center courtyard or "zen garden" is an amazing addition to the feel of the space and creates a more natural feeling that is closely tied to the use of wood. 33rd Street, is by far one of the greatest projects under the restraints it had. The use of space is extremely efficient and the materials used work together flawlessly. My favorite aspect of the entire house is by far the entryway and the staircase. I love the lighting from the floor to illuminate the hallway, and the use of wood slats to separate the staircase from the hallway. But that's just me, decide for yourself!