SPRING ARCH TOUR FEST: Ridgeline Residence – Malibu Lake California

Photo Credit: Joshue White

Spring ARCH TOUR FEST: Ridgeline Residence – Malibu Lake California

This project is the result of the 2018 Woosley Fires which destroyed the original home on this property. The rebuild effort included a huge amount of client participation and involved various levels of fire preventative approaches, some incorporated into the design and others although highly desired, were unfortunately budgeted out as the project developed. The process the project took, and the resulting design are of particular importance in relation to the recent 2025 fires and how people should consider rebuilding in fire risk areas.

Tour Led by:

Christopher Mercier, AIA, President & Founder (fer) studio

Christopher L. Mercier, AIA founded (fer) studio – form, environment, research in early 2002. Its purpose was to become an interdisciplinary Contemporary Architecture & Urban Design studio for the practice, exploration, research and implementation of Architecture. Its driving aim was an inquiry and investigation into understanding the value, purpose and intention of Architecture, through a collaborative team focused studio. Today (fer) studio or (fer), is a thriving architecture practice with over 20 years of experience offering some of the world’s most unique and specialized live, work and play environments. Environments based on their unique ‘trans-relational’ approach to design. One which focuses on forming highly impactful relational conditions that inhabitants experience as stimulus / inspiration towards them taking positive action in their lives. (fer) studio – creative trans-relational environments for building your ambitious lives.

Gary Scott – Home Owner

Architect: (fer) studio 

Building Credits:

General Contractor: Buildwell Construction – Troy Franckowiak

Landscape Architect: [Place] – Victoria Pakshong

Interior Designer: Sophie Goineau

Learning Units

This project I feel could have HSW credits as we implemented various Fire resistive approaches to the project that could be shown in the home. Additionally, we would have a set of the construction drawings and Project Manual available at the house for review and discussion purposes to show how the detailing and design for these various measures occurred in the drawings and then how it was implemented in the home.

Parking Information

Please park at the bottom of the hill.  Signs will be posted.  AIA|LA will shuttle registrants via golf cart who feel they cannot make the walk up the hill to the residence.