Fab 40: XTEN, Los Angeles

USA

Drawing references from the geometries of the surrounding canyon and hillside slopes, rather than the architecture of the adjacent structure, XTEN’s Diamond House is a bold addition to an existing family house. Laser-cut aluminium panels create the façade’s unusual patterns, glowing from inside at night and looking light, porous and pleasantly reflective during the day.

The dynamic new diamond-form of the extension is also reflected on the site’s retaining walls and concrete rooftop shape, underling the special character of this Santa Monica house. The Los Angeles-based practice has been working at full-speed for the past few months, with a number of commissions reaching completion, including their Hermosa Beach SurfHouse and the Encino-located Sapphire Gallery.

www.XTENarchitecture.com

21 October 2009 | Architecture