Butterfly House

Design by Graymatter Architecture:  graymatterarchitecture.com

Asymmetrical Butterfly House in the El Medio bluffs area of Pacific Palisades

Oriented toward the south and west ocean views, the simple geometry of this architecturally-perfect home provides an open setting for indoor/outdoor family living.

The asymmetrical "butterfly" roof, which floats atop clerestory glass, has two distinct zones. The master suite roof at the front of the house, the shorter of the two wings, tips upward to frame the ocean and mountain views while the longer, shallower angle roof houses the remaining 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, laundry, rear play deck and loft/study. First floor main living areas, including soaring ceilings in the living room, den, dining, kitchen and family areas, align along a 40-foot long retractable wall of glass opening up completely to a light-filled southern oriented side yard terrace for outdoor dining and lounge seating. Continuing the concept of indoor/outdoor life, the second floor is wrapped in a spacious east, south and westerly wood deck.