SPRING ARCH TOUR FEST: The Callow Residence

Photo Credit: Steve King Architectural Photography

Spring ARCH TOUR FEST: The Callow Residence

The clients expressed a desire for a house with a modest scale from the street, a fluid relationship between interior and exterior space, with privacy from adjacent neighbors, and a distinctive design conceptually situated on the trajectory of Los Angeles modernism. We organized the site into functional bands of varying widths running north-south, and overlaid a pattern of alternating angled walls and roof lines to shape space and direct view and movement from the site and through the house.

The site offers no obvious desirable views, so courtyards, a south-oriented deck, and a rear garden serve as focal points framing the sky, as well as tree canopies and the play of light wherever possible. The entire site is engaged in the architectural composition. The plan is bilaterally symmetrical with an upward spiral progression around the entry courtyard, leading to the upturned cantilevered roof. The angular and folding form language of the house reads alternately planar and volumetric.

We sought drama and intimacy, openness and privacy, movement and focus throughout the design.

Tour Led by:

Rick Corsini, AIA

Rick Corsini, AIA was born in Los Angeles and received his Master of Architecture in Urban Design from Harvard University and his Bachelor of Architecture from Cal Poly Pomona. In addition to over 25 years of professional practice, Rick has held faculty appointments at schools of architecture including Cal Poly Pomona, Woodbury University, and the University of Southern California.

Architect: Corsini Stark Architects

AIA CES: 1.0 LU Approved

Learning Objectives

Analyze spatial design strategies that achieve a balance between openness and privacy within a residential context.

Interpret architectural responses to sites lacking natural views, including the use of courtyards, gardens, and controlled sightlines.

Evaluate the influence of Los Angeles modernism on contemporary residential design through formal, spatial, and conceptual elements.

Understand the compositional use of geometry and symmetry, including angled walls, roof lines, and spiraling progressions, to shape spatial experience and movement.

Explore design techniques for integrating the entire site into the architectural narrative, enhancing the relationship between built form and landscape.

Parking Information:

Street parking is available in this residential neighborhood.