An Open Home That Challenges Monolithic Architecture

A hallway bisects the two lower volumes and continues in a straight line through the home, its ceiling formed by the upper volume.

An Open Home That Challenges Monolithic Architecture

Interesting architectural features like this partially-enclosed patio serve to break down the boundaries between indoors and out.

An Open Home That Challenges Monolithic Architecture

While it looks like an exposed passage from a head-on angle, the hallway is actually open to the social areas on either side.

An Open Home That Challenges Monolithic Architecture

Decorated in bold primary colors, the living room features a warm and exciting atmosphere.

An Open Home That Challenges Monolithic Architecture

It gains a sense of division with a simple open shelving unit, displaying a gorgeous collection of decorative ceramics.

An Open Home That Challenges Monolithic Architecture

The wooden wall houses hidden rooms on either side, with a depression making space for the media center.

An Open Home That Challenges Monolithic Architecture

Floor-to-ceiling doors maintain a minimalistic aesthetic.

An Open Home That Challenges Monolithic Architecture

No, this isn’t a different angle. A swinging wall provides privacy when needed. It completely changes the space!

An Open Home That Challenges Monolithic Architecture

The bathroom remains minimalistic, sparing unnecessary details like a mirror frame in favor of a cleaner aesthetic. It does boast some innovative features such as the placement of the lower cabinet handles – they’re located on top of the doors so residents won’t have to stoop down to open them.

An Open Home That Challenges Monolithic Architecture

The doors would blend right into the background if it weren’t for the visible hinges and the distinction created where the horizontal panels don’t line up.

An Open Home That Challenges Monolithic Architecture

Optional privacy is especially important since this space houses the office. Shades that lift from the bottom up (used throughout the house) provide privacy from the neighbors without darkening the room.

An Open Home That Challenges Monolithic Architecture

The desk itself wraps around into a sideboard with plenty of storage, and cabinets above.

An Open Home That Challenges Monolithic Architecture

A mesh IUTA chair by Antonio Citterio pairs well with the super slim-desk, their sense of transparency preserving the view into the garden.

An Open Home That Challenges Monolithic Architecture

Back in the hallway, clever divider strategies help separate the kitchen to the left and the living room to the right.

An Open Home That Challenges Monolithic Architecture

A smaller sitting room faces toward the backyard, its privacy guarded by a tall surrounding fence.

An Open Home That Challenges Monolithic Architecture

Looking out onto the rear patio, a small dining area offers yet another place for guests and family to gather and socialize.

An Open Home That Challenges Monolithic Architecture

Here’s a second dining room right off the media area. All told, there are a total of three dining tables in this house! Not bad for a home half the size of its neighbors.

An Open Home That Challenges Monolithic Architecture

Minimalistic and attractive, the bright white kitchen uses angled surfaces as a play on the abundant light that filters through the atrium courtyard to the left.

An Open Home That Challenges Monolithic Architecture

Check out the neat storage in the side of the kitchen island! Everybody needs a place to store cookbooks and morning reading.

An Open Home That Challenges Monolithic Architecture

Mesh stairs preserve the view of the outdoors, with support beams continuing the implied boundary started by the open shelves in the living room.

An Open Home That Challenges Monolithic Architecture

On the other side of the atrium, the third and most formal dining room embraces dark woods and bright colors.

An Open Home That Challenges Monolithic Architecture

Here’s a young child enjoying the incredible view of the home and atrium from the stairs.

An Open Home That Challenges Monolithic Architecture

Public rooms occupy the first floor, with private spaces above.

An Open Home That Challenges Monolithic Architecture

It’s a completely different atmosphere on the upper level. Carpet warms the feet on mild mornings.

An Open Home That Challenges Monolithic Architecture

Let’s start the bedroom tour with a little appreciation for this super-cute room! Modular shelves, a string of paper lanterns, a playful polka dot bedspread, and a stimulating view of the neighborhood are certainly enviable features any kid would envy. Parents can shield the room from the street using the bottom-up shades.

An Open Home That Challenges Monolithic Architecture

Anyone bathing in the gorgeous enclosed tub can enjoy a view of the sky from the distinctive circular window.

An Open Home That Challenges Monolithic Architecture

Another window near the ceiling brings even more light into the room. Notice the sliding door – a nice space saver.

An Open Home That Challenges Monolithic Architecture

Like the main level, the upper hallway bisects the volume from end to end for a clear view through the middle.

An Open Home That Challenges Monolithic Architecture

The adult bedroom is far more subdued than the child’s room in terms of decor, but still features fun (yet subtle) polka dots on the blanket.

An Open Home That Challenges Monolithic Architecture

A wonderful view of the pool allows parents to keep an eye on the children as they play outdoors with friends.

An Open Home That Challenges Monolithic Architecture

Even the pool utilizes a spacious yet space-conscious design, wrapping around the home in the shape of an L.

An Open Home That Challenges Monolithic Architecture

Wide stepping stones provide a convenient walking path across the yard but also continue the trajectory of the building shape.

An Open Home That Challenges Monolithic Architecture

Circular windows on the sides of the home are one of many energy-saving measures.

An Open Home That Challenges Monolithic Architecture

Tall doors allow access to the roof patio. The tree growing up through the lower patio contributes to the incredibly unique aesthetic.

An Open Home That Challenges Monolithic Architecture

The roof actually directs rainwater into an underground storage tank used to flush the toilets and water the garden. When the architects set out to combat the downsides of urban sprawl, they implemented features like this to further reduce the home’s impact on the environment.

An Open Home That Challenges Monolithic Architecture

Another cool feature is the interior cabinetry that extends outward to serve as a storage shed for pool and garden supplies.

An Open Home That Challenges Monolithic Architecture

The architects went to great lengths to secure local trades, materials, and fittings for the construction of the home wherever possible.

An Open Home That Challenges Monolithic Architecture

Doesn’t it look beautiful all lit up at night? Some of this power comes from the solar panels that cover the upper roof.

An Open Home That Challenges Monolithic Architecture

Floorplan fans might appreciate these diagrams!

An Open Home That Challenges Monolithic Architecture

Here’s the thought process that led to such an innovative layout.

An Open Home That Challenges Monolithic Architecture

An Open Home That Challenges Monolithic Architecture

An Open Home That Challenges Monolithic Architecture

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An Open Home That Challenges Monolithic Architecture An Open Home That Challenges Monolithic Architecture An Open Home That Challenges Monolithic Architecture

An Open Home That Challenges Monolithic Architecture

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