B3 Architects/ Berkus Design Studio

This Spanish-style contemporary home sits on a bluff overlooking the beach in Malibu. It features a covered courtyard of 2,500 square feet, 60-foot-long great room with 16-foot ceilings, home theater, office, gym, wine room, two wet bars, five fireplaces, twin master suites, security system, 50-foot-long infinity pool, spa, parking for 10 cars, stone perimeter walls, garden fountains, patios

The creation of a structure on this highly visible hilltop site presented a challenge that resulted in the sculpting of a highly articulated silhouette to accommodate axial living functions while capturing a 360-degree viewscape. This structure mitigates the intense sun and wind patterns by orientation and courtyard footprint, while taking advantage of its south solar orientation. The constructed form capitalizes on its hilltop vistas by functioning as a series of pavilions oriented to distant views. Glass walls lend transparency to the home, allowing patterns of landscape and light to be enjoyed within the structure. Limestone-clad sentinels capped with glass clerestories illuminate the interior passageways. A material pallet of limestone, steel, copper, plaster and glass articulate the forms that crown the hill. The sentinels reference the strength of trees and lighthouses found on the coastal plain. A series of pools bisect the interior living space and disappear with an infinity edge toward the ocean.

Constrained by a 29-foot wide, in-city site, and rigorous zoning and historical landmark board guidelines, this 26-foot wide, 3-story custom dwelling begins the revival of single-family, detached downtown living. The exterior of white stucco, iron, stone-clad colonnade and tile roof is in keeping with Santa Barbara’s Spanish Colonial architectural fabric, while modern and minimalist shapes reference the dignified, yet simple forms found in Viennese Secession architecture of the early 20th century.

An icon for a growing campus, the concept of the rotunda form was to eliminate hierarchy, and create a zone where all settings are equal. The tower holds an entry-level rotunda living room, a second floor rotunda library to showcase alumni authors and is capped by a roof level pavilion with 360 degree views of campus, wetlands and distant mountains and ocean. The rotunda becomes a hinge, connecting all functions of the building. The conference gathering area is to the west where new thoughts arise. The building is anchored by small triangular conference forms, pointing to the east, alluding to the need to honor a growing cultural force within the world. The building incorporates a multitude of sustainable principles and materials. Approximately 75 percent of interior spaces are positioned to receive maximized day lighting, reducing dependency on artificial lighting.

This house is located in the same development as the "marisol malibu" home previously featured on this page. The developer and their consultants (MariSol’s Luxury Malibu Real Estate) invested many years studying the coastal habitat prior to the construction of the Botanic Park, in hopes of creating a truly green community. The site contains 80 acres of coastal bluff, surrounding 17 homes set into the indigenous botanical garden. The garden contains 30,000 plants, including a trail system that courses through 133 native plantings. The botanical character of the site creates garden views on three sides of the homes, as well as the coastal view. In addition, the site has been newly certified as a Monarch Butterfly way-station, and storm water runoff has been redirected to filtering stations prior to entering the Pacific Ocean. The homes have been designed with multi-generational suites, and dedicated wings which create privacy and separation for friends, returning family, elders and bounce-backs. The homes have attained ‘Build It Green’ certification by utilizing recycled materials, certified lumber, high efficiency glass, efficient water usage, and large overhangs for shading. The home takes advantage of prevailing breezes, sun angles for thermal massing and shading, and utilizes a myriad of recycled materials in order to achieve its rating.

This urban infill project blends sustainable building and compatible neighborhood design practices. Surrounded by a mix of single and multi-family Spanish influenced structures, these homes responded admirably to the strict guidelines of a tough Design Review process. Receiving LEED Platinum certification, this enclave served as a pilot project for the Santa Barbara “Built Green” program. On this .28 acre site, 5 homes have been carefully planned around central courtyard spines, resulting in a privacy- minded 17 unit per acre density. Unique entry porches and stair galleries distinguish each arrival experience, while exterior stairways lead to a community fireplace and fountain amenities. Balconies and roof terraces provide additional private gathering spaces. On-site water collection and storage, pervious paving techniques, efficient irrigation and landscaping combine to create a very low-use water environment. Sustainable specifications punctuate home interiors focusing on a more contemporary interpretation of the Spanish vernacular.

“Living Large in a Small Footprint”


This 997 s.f gross (net 894 s.f. of living area) urban infill home, replaces a deteriorating 1400 s.f. dwelling. The home is a study in reducing a home’s carbon footprint by eliminating circulation spaces, modeling storage and living functions after the efficiency of small nautical vessel while utilizing sustainable design principles and materials.

The mixed-use neighborhood, first developed in the late 1800s, is sensitive to large-scale new development. The neighbors embraced the introduction of an under-scaled dwelling. The success in formulating this small footprint was the utilization of height and light, creating a detached urban loft that reduces the compression of inner city living.

Fourteen foot living area ceilings, 12 foot bedroom ceilings and 10 foot kitchen ceilings combined with skylights and north and south glazed openings creates an expansive living environment. Ceiling high cabinets in the kitchen and bedroom maximize storage space, and are accessible by a movable ladder chair, custom designed by the architect, serving all areas of the home.

Car arbor doubles as an entertainment pavilion. The roof is constructed of laminated glass. Side curtains, sculpture fence, track lights and radiant space heater aid in transforming the space.

Recycled counters, low VOC paints, environmental rated insulation, energy star appliances, tankless water heater, among other features contribute to a small carbon footprint.

B3 Architects is also proud to announce our featured project in the recent publication of "Pure Luxury: World's Best Houses."

http://www.amazon.com/Pure-Luxury-Worlds-Houses-Great/dp/1864704969

Pure Luxury: World's Best Houses: 100 Great Houses

B3 Architects is proud to announce our featured project in the latest publication of "Masterpiece: Iconic Houses By Great Contemporary Architects."

http://www.amazon.com/Masterpiece-Iconic-Houses-Contemporary-Architects/dp/1864704535

Masterpiece: Iconic Houses by Great Contemporary Architects ...

Located in Central California’s Santa Ynez Valley, this winery is a complex structure of systems, which ultimately depends upon a well-studied and executed pattern of movements in order to function.

The winery implements historic gravity flow processes for winemaking– from the crushing of grapes on the roof, to the filling of fermentation tanks through a central skylight rotunda, and finally to the finishing of the wine in the barrels.

The significant forms within the structure are Western in their design philosophy, and incorporate sustainable practices such as under-floor hydronic cooling systems, insulating earthen walls, the implementation of many recycled materials, and 26,000 sq. ft. of underground caves which reduce energy consumption.

The design focuses on the gathering of family around central living zones, and the flow of interior and exterior spaces. The home is characterized by an open floor plan, natural ventilation, and light-filled spaces created by ridgeline skylights. Overall, this western ranch house exemplifies a structure relaxed in nature, low and unimposing on the land, creating the sense that every day is a day of leisure.

The renovation not only preserved the original design, and also upgraded the home to meet today's standards. The result is a home that both honors Cliff May, and embraces contemporary lifestyle and technology needs.

The architect’s goal was to create a sustainable and multi-generational structure, bringing family together in separate enclaves within the residence. One challenge presented during the design process was to buffer noise created by the nearby freeway and railroad track adjacent to the main entry of the site. This lead to the creation of an interior courtyard to serve as a modern retreat from wind and exterior sound. The courtyard, inspired by the early California Haciendas, creates a private oasis screened from neighbors, trains and traffic, and becomes the core of the dwelling. The sustainable design employs a simple palette of durable materials, precisely detailed. By utilizing recycled surfaces and reclaimed materials, the structure becomes a responsible dwelling with an energy performance exceeding Title 24 by 50%.

Careful attention was paid to the development of personal enclaves for extended family and guests alike. Separate stairways and gathering areas were created to enjoy retreats within the dwelling. Separate wings provide the diverse residents with the independence to come and go as they please, and enjoy a variety of activities without disturbing each other.

The home is sited with southern exposure in order to take advantage of solar gain in a cool ocean environment. Operable north facing glass is utilized to facilitate thermal siphoning, creating air movement and exhausting any undue heat sink within the structure.

Precise and contemporary, yet appropriate for an informal beach lifestyle, this home speaks to regional traditions while clearly being of its own time.

This project was designed as a fully accessible home, incorporating many recycled materials and carefully designed day lighting. The home was also designed to take advantage of prevailing breezes and incorporated shaded gardens and courtyards for exterior living. A series of sky lit pavilions linked by a curved stone passageway connects active and passive living destinations. The architecture grew from the client’s interests in Asian gardens and pavilions experienced in their many trips to Japan. The architecture was also formulated to capture distant views of mountain and pastoral terrain.

Marisol Malibu is our featured project of the week.

This home has been designed with multi-generational suites, and dedicated wings which create privacy and separation for friends, returning family, elders and bounce-backs. This project has attained a ‘Build It Green’ certification by utilizing recycled materials, certified lumber, high efficiency glass, efficient water usage, and large overhangs for shading. The residence takes advantage of prevailing breezes, sun angles for thermal massing and shading, and utilizes a myriad of recycled materials in order to achieve its rating.

The link below will lead you to my TED talk about creativity. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBiHBQwERW4

TEDxAmericanRiviera - Barry Berkus - Dream Big, Dare to Fail About Barry Berkus Barry A. Berkus, A.I.A., UCSB and USC alumnus, is the founder and President of B3 Architects and Berkus Design Studio. He has remained on ...

An interview at the TEDx conference this weekend. Barry's TEDx talk will be posted shortly!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRLtSkg-b_s

TEDx Presenter Barry Berkus While the rest of the students from Santa Barbara Middle School had Veteran's Day off, members of the Teen Press were honored to be allowed to attend TEDx Am...

The video below shows Barry's interview at the 2011 Gold Nugget Awards for his work on Park Imperial South, Palm Springs:

http://www.builderonline.com/buildertv.aspx?bcpid=68572656001&bclid=63429611001&bctid=1116571985001

Builder TV builder news

Please visit our YouTube channel, featuring Berkus' video short series "How to Think Like an Architect"
http://www.youtube.com/user/BarryBerkus

Barry Berkus Modernism is the New Tradition

We are pleased to announce that our firm won 4 Grand Awards at the 2011 Pacific Coast Builder's Conference this past month. The video below shows Barry being interviewed at the conference for the Marisol Malibu project:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKo85S8Jbyw&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Gold Nugget Award: Marisol Malibu Editorial director Boyce Thompson got the scoop on the Gold Nugget Award-winning project, Marisol Malibu, from its architect, Barry Berkus, founder and presi...

Please visit our YouTube Channel to see Barry's new video short series "How To Think Like an Architect"

http://www.youtube.com/user/BarryBerkus

Barry Berkus Modernism is the New Tradition

Please visit our new website!

www.b3architects.com

In this video, Barry Berkus teamed up with B3 designer Jaclyn Shor for a lively discussion about this '68 Cliff May house. Amazing design, beautiful setting, and fascinating discussion about modern and ranch-style architecture.

Discussing Modern Architecture: The Modern Hacienda Barry Berkus and Jaclyn Shor discuss modern architecture in the context of a 1960's Cliff May Residence, which Berkus has since renovated.

Thanks to Ralph Haverkate for posting our PArk Imperial South video on his Modern Homes blog.

Modern Homes in Palm Springs CA Blog by Ralph Haverkate Get the latest news and updates on Modern Homes in Palm Springs CA from one of the best real estate agents Ralph Havertake.

Barry Berkus is co-chair of the National Gallery of Art's Collector's Committee. He returned last week from a trip to Wash DC, where he oversaw the acquisition of two important works by significant American artists: a powerful painting by Kerry James Marshall, and a breakthrough piece by Anne Truitt. Congrats Barry.

National Gallery adds Kerry James Marshall and Anne Truitt works to collection The National Gallery of Art has added two extremely different contemporary artists — Kerry James Marshall and Anne Truitt — to its permanent collection.

Barry was recently honored in Palm Springs by the residents of Park Imperial South, a modern development he designed in 1960, when he was just 25-years-old. The event drew hundreds who had come to Palm Springs for the 2011 Modernism Week.

Discussing Modern Architecture: Park Imperial South Barry Berkus speaks about his experience designing Park Imperial South in Palm Springs, CA, and being honored 50 years later at Palm Springs Modernism Week 2...

Please visit our YouTube channel:

http://www.youtube.com/user/BarryBerkus

Barry Berkus Barry Berkus speaks about his experience designing and building Park Imperial South in Palm Springs, CA.