modern real estate santa barbara Archives

Peter Edwards Designed 1956 Mid Century Modern in Montecito

May 25, 2011 by Josiah Hamilton

Built in 1956 and Designed by Peter Edwards this Mid Century Montecito home recently sold for $3.3M, I was reluctant to share this as its pretty dated inside, but I am praying the new LA owners bring it up to speed, preserving the great Mid Century vibe of the house. Sited on 2.8 acres of extraordinary gardens surround this original Peter Edwards designed home, the home consists of 3 beds and office or 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, large study and enormous library/studio. A romantic guest house lies across a footbridge over a creek, currently a wonderful studio. The magnificent grounds feature hundreds of specimen trees, koi ponds, streams and waterfalls.

2.8 acres

4733 sq ft
3 beds
5 baths

Architect Peter Edward of Edwards Pitman – here is a little cool history on the Architect

The founders of the firm, Peter Edwards and John Pitman, were natives of Santa Barbara and the fathers of both men were also architects. Peter Edwards’s father, William Albert Edwards, formed the firm of Edwards-Plunkett with Joseph Plunkett in 1928. Their work included the Arlington Theatre and the Santa Barbara Airport Terminal, and their residential work helped shape the city’s Mediterranean architectural style. John Pitman’s father, Richard Hickman Pitman, was an associate of James Osborn Craig, architect of the El Paseo and the Hoffman House.

In the Beginning

Peter Edwards and John Pitman founded Edwards-Pitman in 1957. Unlike today, they were one of only a few architectural firms in Santa Barbara and although small in size, they managed to acquire major work throughout the city. In time, the firm grew in popularity in commercial development and hired Richard Redmond in 1979. By the mid 90’s, Richard took the reins and headed nearly all design coming through the firm; in 1998 he became a partner.

As the founders retired, Richard Redmond has enjoyed the firm’s continued success and contributes consistently to the exquisite architectural landscape of the American Riviera and beyond. Richard is now the owner and principal at Edwards-Pitman Architects.

Shubin + Donaldson Architects – Montecito Residence

April 12, 2011 by Josiah Hamilton

The customer for the Montecito Residence is a retired couple with a substantial art collection. Designed by California based architects Shubin + Donaldson, it is built in upscale community of Montecito, California, adjacent to Santa Barbara, on a site that features beautiful mountain and ocean views.

The program called for a new, three-bedroom residence built from the ground up that would accommodate art collection in a restrained and economical yet modern building.

This newly constructed residence is one of few contemporary designs in the area. The architecture is distinctly organized with one main axis or spine that runs along the whole structure. The center of the building features the public areas with a shed roof over a long gallery for art. The open plan emphasizes space usage and contemporary living.

A sculptural glass-and-steel fireplace separates the living area from the dining room. The far north-end block serves as the master bedroom and bath. The two-bedroom guest quarters are at the opposing end, and adjacent to a three-car garage. An exposed rafter system brings stability to the metal roof, while the walls of the house are plaster and glass.

Art collection includes paintings, prints, and sculpture by: Alex Katz, Sam Francis, Hans Hofmann, Henry Moore, Harry Bertoia, Pablo Picasso, Joan Miro, E.L. Kirchner, Charles Arnoldi, Sean Scully, Tom Lieber, Tom Holland, Lee Gutch, Suzanne Caporael, as well as select Asian antiques and vast collection of old toy soldiers (35 years of collecting).

Furniture designed by Mies van der Rohe, Le Corbusier, Massimo Vignelli, Eero Saarinen, Florence Knoll, Arne Jacobsen, Warren Platner, Joseph D’Urso, Antonia Citterio, Paolo Piva, Pepe Cortes, Diego Giacometti; bought from Knoll, B&B Italia, Brown Jordan, Lumiaire, and Danskina.

Appliances and hardware from Sub-Zero, Thermador, Viking, Décor, Miele, GE, Kroin.

PARTNERS
Robin Donaldson AIA
[email protected]

Russell Shubin AIA, LEED AP
[email protected]

Shubin + Donaldson Architects, Inc.
1 North Calle Cesar Chavez
Suite 200 Santa Barbara, CA 93103 USA
805.966.2802
805.966.3002 (fax)

Shubin + Donaldson Architects, Inc.
3834 Willat Avenue
Culver City, CA 90232 USA
310.204.0688
310.204.0219 (fax)

Pictures By Tom Bonner

Credit for article due to Julie D. Taylor and Taylor & Company for their efforts in providing the contents of this article.

Ferguson Ettinger Architects – Montecito Modern “The Panel House”

March 7, 2011 by Josiah Hamilton

Our clients demanded 5 things:

1. Modern, progressive design.
2. Ultra sustainable.
3. House designed for specific art collection.
4. Separate private quarters for extended family.
5. Privacy from street.

Modern, progressive design – utilized state of the art building systems and techniques such as rain screens and tilt-up concrete, to achieve crisp, modern, light-filled spaces but rendered with raw, earth-toned substantial materials to provide warmth, comfort, and integration of the building with the land.

Ultra sustainable – 100% solar electric and passive solar, ventilated building wall system, 5,000 gallon cistern, passive building design, radiant floor heat, permeable surfaces throughout, drought tolerant plantings, etc. as a ‘Legacy’ for their children and grandchildren.

Museum for living – house designed around extensive art and glass sculpture collection. Early design stages included developing the architecture to ensure that all art was well integrated into the house fabric. High volumes, north light, special moments for specific pieces and a neutral interior canvas to exhibit art.

Extended family – 3 bedroom, self-contained suite located at opposite end of the house from Master Suite and a half level above ensures complete separation and takes advantage of the sloped site by developing a split level to help keep the building profile low.

Privacy – limited openings to street, with high north facing clerestory windows framing views of eucalyptus trees, combined with large, stepped building setback from street provides sense of privacy while the earthen, concrete walls help ground the building to the site.

Established in 1990, Ferguson-Ettinger Architects, Inc, Is a husband and wife partnership. Each project is site sensitive, whether urban or rural, drawing inspiration from its immediate context and our commitment to sustainable architecture. Our projects are diverse-residential, commercial, and institutional and are firmly bound to our desire to form a seamless and harmonious relationship with the land.

Each project is unique, forging together the use of indigenous and raw materials with rigorous attention to detail to create modern, yet tactile and light-filled spaces. We practice restraint and form true collaborations with our clients, allowing our design philosophy to evolve. We are involved in all stages of design and building to ensure that our projects are realized to their fullest potential

Ferguson and Ettinger Architects
Ph. 805 899 9171