montrose residence, montrose, calif.
los angeles
warren techentin architecture
Stacking a guest apartment atop an existing garage, this backyard structure adds a workshop, overflow living space, and solar electricity to a maxed-out family home. The building’s angular, vertically oriented envelope works within the site’s constraints—which included a large shade tree—to secure views and optimize solar exposure. Rainscreen siding shades the exterior, while a remote-controlled skylight promotes stack effect–driven passive cooling. Our jury noted the project’s positive effect on its site. One judge said, “It activates the gardens in a very sculptural way.”
project credits
principal in charge: Warren Techenten, AIA, LEED AP, Warren Techentin Architecture; general contractor: Simon Sage, Expert Builders, Burbank, Calif.; project size: 484 square feet; site size: 1.1 acres; construction cost: $227 per square foot; photography: Nicholas Cope.
product details
bathroom and kitchen fittings: Kohler, www.kohler.com; bathroom and kitchen fixtures: Kohler; cooktop: Miele, www.miele.com; countertops: Caesarstone, www.caesarstone.com; flooring: Ultimate Bamboo; green products: Firestone Rubbergard roofing (recyclable), www.firestonebpco.com, Sheetrock gypsum board (recycled), www.usg.com; hardware: Baldwin, www.baldwinhardware.com; hvac equipment: Carrier, www.carrier.com; insulation: Bonded Logic, www.bondedlogic.com; kitchen cabinets: Ikea, www.ikea.com; oven and refrigerator: General Electric, www.geappliances.com; roofing: Johns Manville, www.jm.com; skylights: Velux, www.velux.com; solar energy system: Uni-Solar, www.uni-solar.com
