TORO
CANYON

Santa Barbara, CA
Photography: John Ellis and Laure Joliet

After a dramatic, winding approach road that conceals the compound's entrance, a process of incremental discovery continues on foot toward the house until the final reveal as the front door opens to frame of a spectacular view of the Santa Barbara coastline. The dwelling is organized around three courtyards with a 40’ wide horizontal ‘panavison’-esque opening giving the house a pavilion-like atmosphere. The courtyards bring in ample natural light and ventilation but also provide protection from the strong winds that can race across the mountain. A pool house nestled into the hill has a custom solar shade structure whose digitally-created pattern maximizes shade.