Susana Residence
Torrance, CA
The front view of new residence shows how the building follows the curve of the street, presenting three unique facades in one street view.
Susana Residence - Torrance, CA
Inchoate was retained by a Contractor/ Developer to create a design for a potential, but unknown, homeowner. We were given many freedoms of design, yet also asked to maximize the potential of the site. We were excited when the property and house sold based on our designs and renderings, before construction even commenced.
The floor plan responds to the uniqueness of the wedge-shaped site; two volumes set at varying angles are connected via a third in the middle. The outer volumes are clad in white stucco, tied together with a wood and glass circulation volume. The wood is used again at the eaves creating a warmth to the building. The roof shapes both emphasize the various volumes, as well as allude to a traditional pitched roof.
Designed as a 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom plus Gym, the first floor features an open Kitchen, Dining, Living plan with multi-fold doors out to the rear yard, a guest bedroom, and a gym. The stairway is set against a glass wall which allows it to float in the space, connecting both volumes and floor levels. At the second story there are two bedrooms, a bathroom, a laundry room, and a primary suite with a private balcony.
Floor Area: 2279 sf
Construction Budget: not disclosed
Completion Date: 2025
The front door is on the middle volume, angled towards the front courtyard.
This custom designed house responds to it’s uniquely shaped lot with two rectilinear outer (white) volumes, tied together with the black wood-clad central core.
The volume on the left houses the public spaces of the kitchen/living/dining on the first floor and the primary suite above. The volume on the right contains the secondary bedrooms and office. The central volume ties everything together with the entry and open stair.
First floor plan
Second floor plan
Cedar accents the under eave areas.
A view of the roof angles between the two volumes from the rear of the house.
The view from the entry through to the living room past the open stair shows how the full height windows flood the public spaces with light.
Glass rails and open treads at the stair allow light to come in through the full height windows at the stair.
Full height windows at both the first and second floors at both the entry and rear of the stair allows views through the building and into the back yard.
The full height windows at both floors of the home as seen from the stair landing.
The efficient design of the kitchen allows both maximum storage and maximum counter space with ample natural light and lux finishes.
The open floor plan flows from the entry, past the stair and into the dining room area.
Large windows give views to the backyard from the second floor stair landing.
A view from the stair landing into the primary bedroom.
A private hall within the primary bedroom suite offers clerestory windows and gives access to the private rear balcony.
The downstairs office has views to the front garden.
The laundry room is also bright with plenty of counter and storage space.
The primary suite bathrooms has a spa-like feel, with a freestanding bathtub, separate shower and double vanity.