CASE STUDY

AKRON

PACIFIC PALISADES | LOS ANGELES, CA

Pacific Palisades, founded in 1921 by a Methodist Organization, settled the first 100 homes, each with ample land. As the estates in Pacific Palisades started to be bought by the Pacific Palisades Association and the Santa Monica Land and Water Company, the lots over 200 acres were subdivided and developed first. By the time the entire town on top of the cliff overseeing the ocean was established it had an identity of Spanish Colonial Revival design.

With a history as rich as Pacific Palisades and its ideal weather, the project looks to be environmentally conscious by not disturbing the site's landscape and taking advantage of the ocean breeze. This project was inspired by Al Boeke's Sea Ranch where the project's design was to keep a balance between nature and the design of the building. Such that Al Boeke's vision was meant to be experienced, much as to be spelled out, the concept of 'living lightly on the land starts with respect for nature. Each landscape element should be recognized and nurtured, reinforcing natural forms and scale. The specific site provides the identity, establishing a 'territorial partnership' with any structure placed within it, not upon it. Building materials should be drawn from nature: rough and simple (Sea Ranch Association, 2021).