Sweet Home California
Sweet Home California
Designed as a west-coast retreat for a Wisconsin neurosurgeon, an attorney, and their family, the Cornelio House makes the most of its narrow corner lot, opening to views of the hills, the city, and the Pacific horizon beyond.
The home is conceived as a series of light and airy public spaces elevated above a base of private rooms. This organization creates a sense of protection from the street while allowing the interiors to remain open to the surrounding vistas.
2019 BUILD Magazine Architecture Award
2018 Professional Builder, Silver Award
2017 AIA Design Award, Built
2011 AIA Design Award, Unbuilt
Opening up the house by borrowing views and space from the adjacent rooms is the overarching idea giving this family everything they need in a loft style concept.
“No detail was too small to merit Anders’ personal attention. In addition to his architectural talent, Anders is warm and friendly. We would happily work on another project with Anders and his team anytime!"
Dara and John, Homeowners
We kept the materials simple honest and carefree, so the family could have beach sandy feet and not feel like they were going to ruin the house. It’s meant to be a fun, convenient California lifestyle kind of home.
At the top of the stairs a modern kitchen composed in Carrara and walnut grounds the great room and provides striking coastal views from the casual dining island.
A light washed vertical core leads up to the great room and master bedroom level where lofted roof planes rise to invite the coastal breezes, shade the sun, and expose the beautiful vistas beyond.
Bringing in plenty of natural light was vital to making the home feel as spacious as possible. The more light, the more the space is able to be perceived.
Grounded and transparent the house responds to its site and its surroundings while inwardly reflecting its owners tastes and sensibilities. The Cornelio house is made for this place and this time. You realize as the day ends and the living room softly reflects the sun’s hues of orange and red that here is the only place you need to be.
