Montecito Residence

Montecito, California

The Montecito Residence occupies a magnificent ridgeline site just south of Santa Barbara that sits between the Pacific Ocean to the south and the Santa Ynez Mountains to the north. A 100-year old olive grove wraps along the entire northern portion of the site.

The project stretches out along the natural ridgeline in the east/west direction, parallel to the Pacific Ocean, allowing the primary spaces to open up to the magnificent views of the Channel Islands and the views of the Santa Ynez Mountains.  A large thin roof gently rests on 3 main program volumes, creating large generous open spaces in-between. The living, family and kitchen areas all open up to an infinity edge pool.  A guest suite occupies the Eastern end of the house, looking through existing oak trees to the coast. The house culminates on the western end with a glass enclosed master suite that opens up to the olive grove and views of Santa Barbara.

The house simultaneously fits in with and stands out against the natural setting. Light, earth-toned, smooth concrete walls emerge from the hillside and are juxtaposed by smooth white plaster walls & ceilings. This neutral material palette is complemented by bronze framed sliding glass doors and rift white oak paneling.

A minimal approach was taken for the landscape.  The two primary objectives were to preserve and protect the 100-year old olive grove along the north edge of the site and to reinforce and restore the existing oak riparian zone that continues down the southeastern corner of the property.  Rings of varying California native planting surround the site, slowly transitioning from a more natural state at the edges of the property to a more refined state as the landscape approaches the house.