Shadowbox House
| Santa Monica, CA
Private Residences
The harmony of natural elements and shelter define the simple, open layout and engaging
vivaciousness of a shaman’s abode in the hills of Santa Monica. The single-family
home is flooded with light and ocean breezes via large apertures, both retracting
and center pivot. The oversized entry door reinforces spatial continuity as view
and transition. When fully open, space and spirit flows freely from the beautiful
front porch through the “covered patio” of the house up to a terraced outdoor “living
room.” A ritual fire pit provides evening gathering in the Huichol tradition. These
contemporary interpretations of entry, porch and bay windows, and living room adds
to the residential experience. Additionally, a rough-hewn stone wall references
the original topography, anchoring the home and delineating public and private spaces.