Rexford Residence
Location: Beverly Hills
Year: 2016
Project Type: Residential
The project has been conceived as articulated orthogonal space wrapped in a curvaceous skin, a metaphor of the ancient Chinese conception of the earth as a square and the universe as a sphere.
The Skin does not only address the shape of one of Feng Shui’s principles ( the water element) but is acting as well as a seamless masking device to protect the house residents’ privacy from the public streets.
A main green spine ( the linear Koi pond ) acts as the organizer of all the spaces, from the west entrance to the end of the visual experience terminating in a “ weeping wall “.The concept of running water is associated with the Feng Shui notion of the flowing Chi. The Chi following with water from East to West, which is an auspicious omen.
The backyard becomes the entertainment outdoor space including the swimming pool, the emerald pond and the Tea House surrounded by a lush landscape.
Functional Components:
Ground Floor ( Elevation + 1’-0” ):
The grand pivot entry door has a clear opening of 5’-0” wide in a 6’-0” frame. According to Feng Shui, a solid front door conveys a sense of strength and protection from the outside world. The door is also the gateway to a journey connecting the car drop-off at the front yard with a sequence of open spaces culminating at the garden backyard.
The Entry Hall is full of light and opens to a non-obstructive view of the Koi pond, the garden and the weeping wall beyond. The natural light and the flowing water create a balance of the Yin and Yang. After experiencing the linear garden with the Koi pond the visitors can access the living area or to the formal family space. The two large spaces can be functionally connected to accommodate party/receptions for larger groups.
The Grand living room contains a wide fireplace, across which is the bar/entertainment center. The monumental stairs and the elevator are hidden behind a solid screen which is honoring another Feng Shui’s principle. Kitchen and storage are functionally connected to the elevator, with easy access to the nook and formal dining area. The library/main guest room acts as a boundary of the courtyard while being directly connected to the deck and backyard garden.
Second Floor (Private Quarters Elevation + 12’-0”)
All the rooms are located along the central spine and facing south with private balconies.
The bedrooms are grouped in two sets, the north wing and the south wing. Every bedroom is a private suite itself, with a master one slightly larger than the rest in each wing.
A large Study Room/Den is located at the arrival of the stairs and the elevator as a shared area for all bedrooms. A service stairs starting from the underground garage and maid quarters connect all levels.
Underground Level ( Elevation - 10’-0” )
From the front driveway, a substantially large ramp brings vehicles to the 4 car garage with an additional outdoor parking space. A portion of the central spine deepens down to an elevation of -7’-6”, which allows natural light to penetrate through and exposes a portion of the Koi pond to the proposed Family and Game rooms. The Wine Cellar works in close connection with the bar and the exterior cabana. The Gym and the two additional guest rooms receive natural light and ventilation from the sunken linear pond and from the sunken garden in the backyard.
The exterior continuous skin is made of rusty perforated steel panels mounted on aluminum structure. The loose exterior façade consists of wood paneling veneering on steel columns and white smooth plaster around openings. The waving trellis, covering the Koi pond, is supported by steel columns and fins. All the trellis members are made of 2”x2” recycled and compressed wood which are placed horizontally on top of the steel structure.
