Manhattan Ave Residence
Inserted into a densely developed, beach front community on a modest 30 x 45-foot lot, this house takes full advantage of the natural light, views and breezes that are unique to the coastal environment of Southern California.
The main loft space is located at the upper level and wrapped with windows to allow for a commanding 360 degree view. The concept is borrowed from traditional marine structures such as lighthouses and life guard stands. The corner glass enclosed stair tower serves as the main organizing element and extends and shares the interior spaces with the street.
Status: Completed in 1995
Project Size: 2,293 s.f.
Architectural Team: Rocky Rockefeller, AIA, Michael Hricak, FAIA, Jeffrey Markwith, Andrea Bellon, Mark Henbree, Matthew Walker, Debbi Goto, Anna Gay Del Vescov
Press: Home and Architectural Trends, Decorating Magazine, Diseño Interior, Interior Design, Sunset Magazine
This simple builder’s house was built in the 1940s and a poorly conceived addition in the 1960s drastically altered its appearance. The firm's assignment was to keep the existing foundation and structure but change its aesthetic and spatial configuration. The owners had lived in this beach-side community most of their lives and were hoping to achieve something that felt less like a house by the beach, and more like a beach house. With this in mind, the architects created a home with a stronger connection to the outdoors, bathed in natural light, informal, and very comfortable.
Status: Completed in 2000
Project Size: 3,500 s.f.
Architectural Team: Rocky Rockefeller, AIA, Brian Pera, Christopher Kempel, AIA, Peter Rittner, Anna Gay Del Vescova
Inheriting the project from a client frustrated with their former architect, rPA was called upon to salvage a design that wasn’t theirs. Using the formerly established programmatic arrangement, rPA adjusted and improved a design that initially lacked order and balance. The project was carried through construction documents in record time. The result was a pragmatic and attractive arrangement that skillfully maneuvered a compact and steep site.
Status: Under Construction
Project Size: 3,953 s.f.
Architectural Team: Christopher Kempel, AIA, Rocky Rockefeller, AIA,
Keith Ireland, AIA, Anthony Laney