Project Description
2009 RADA
Single-Family Production / Detached / Merit
This Santa Barbara, Calif., infill project stands out for achieving LEED Platinum and doubling the area’s typical density, but it also blends smoothly with the neighborhood’s Spanish Colonial style and single-family house profile. Jeffrey Berkus, AIA, eased the tight proximity of five houses on a quarter acre of land by including ample public and private outdoor space.
“Creating privacy was a big issue,” Berkus explains. “Our main way of accomplishing that was through strategic window placement and plantings, along with well-located terraces, balconies, and roof decks.” In addition to individual outdoor areas, Berkus devised alluring shared spaces.
His efforts didn’t go unnoticed by our jury, who commended the project’s “Great site Plan” and “Nicely Handled Entry Court.”