Architectural Cases

Donaldson + Partners, an American architecture firm, recently unveiled the Fractal-Facade House in southern California, a stunning residential project inspired by the intricate beauty of gemstones. This expansive home, nestled on a two-acre plot in Beverly Hills' Trousdale neighborhood, boasts distinctive sculptural walls and a V-shaped floor plan, offering panoramic views of downtown Los Angeles and the vast Pacific Ocean.

The vision for this remarkable residence stemmed from a collaboration between the architects and a client from the financial sector, who sought a home that would serve not only as a personal sanctuary but also as a vibrant hub for engaging discussions and intimate gatherings. Robin Donaldson, the studio's founder, found inspiration in the mathematical precision and infinite fractal possibilities inherent in gemstones, translating these qualities into the building's design. This concept led to the creation of a V-shaped structure with strategically folded exterior panels, giving the facade a dynamic, sculptural quality reminiscent of a finely cut gem. The exterior cladding, initially considered for French stone, was ultimately crafted from local glass-fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP) panels from San Francisco, embedded with natural shell pieces to achieve an organic, stone-like appearance. Spanning 21,000 square feet, the house features a single main level and a basement, thoughtfully designed to comply with local height restrictions, ensuring it harmoniously blends into the landscape and preserves neighbors' views.

The home's approach is marked by a long alleé, gradually revealing the structure as one draws closer. The main entrance leads to two distinct wings, with the upper level encompassing a blend of communal and private spaces, all thoughtfully arranged around a central courtyard and swimming pool. The public areas include an expansive living room, a dining area, and a kitchen that can be discreetly closed off for events. The basement level, centered around a sunken courtyard, is dedicated to leisure and entertainment, featuring a 24-seat cinema, a bar, a spa, and a gym. The interior, curated by Nicole Hollis and Joan Behnke, showcases rich textures, a neutral color palette, and elegant furnishings, complemented by the owner's impressive art collection and custom fractal-inspired sculptures created in partnership with Based Upon. This architectural marvel not only provides a luxurious living space but also stands as a testament to the seamless integration of artistic inspiration and meticulous design.

The Fractal-Facade House exemplifies how innovative architectural design can harmoniously blend with nature, creating a living space that is both visually striking and profoundly integrated into its environment. It inspires us to consider how our surroundings can reflect and enhance our inner world, fostering creativity and connection within a thoughtfully crafted space.

Klas Hyllén Architecture has transformed a 1970s bungalow, Sky House, nestled on a hillside in southwest England. This architectural feat seamlessly blends modern family living with the site's breathtaking natural surroundings, offering expansive views and a deep connection to the English sky.

The reimagining of Sky House by Klas Hyllén Architecture represents a masterclass in modern residential transformation. This project involved a significant overhaul of a 1970s bungalow, which previously presented a functional and aesthetic challenge for its inhabitants. The primary objective was to create a contemporary family dwelling that not only enhanced daily living but also fully embraced its spectacular location. Situated on a hillside in southwest England, the original structure offered partial views, but its layout and design did not fully capitalize on the dramatic vistas of the surrounding landscape and the vast, ever-changing sky. The architectural firm approached this with a vision to integrate the exterior's natural beauty with the interior's functional design, creating a harmonious living space.

Sky House: Harmonious Integration of Nature and Modern Living

Klas Hyllén Architecture's renovation of Sky House, a 1970s bungalow in southwest England, focuses on harmonizing modern family life with the dramatic hillside views. The design introduces a central glazed link, effectively separating distinct living and bedroom volumes, while simultaneously drawing abundant natural light and the panoramic views deep into the home's interior, creating a profound connection to the surrounding landscape and the expansive sky.

The core of the Sky House transformation lies in the innovative use of a glazed link at its center. This architectural element serves a dual purpose: it acts as a subtle partition, delineating the private bedroom areas from the more communal living spaces, thereby enhancing both functionality and privacy for the residents. More significantly, this transparent corridor acts as a conduit, inviting the outside world in. By pulling natural light and the breathtaking panoramic views of the English countryside and sky into the very heart of the bungalow, it creates an immersive living experience. Klas Hyllén, the founder of the studio, articulated this vision, stating that the design endeavors to "capture and celebrate this constantly shifting canvas of English weather," firmly anchoring the house within its natural setting. This thoughtful integration ensures that every part of the home benefits from the unique environment, fostering a sense of openness and tranquility. The journey into Sky House begins with stone steps flanked by terraced planters, leading under a modest canopy to an entrance that thoughtfully separates the three eastern bedrooms from the elevated living areas, setting the stage for a home that is both practical and picturesque.

Innovative Design and Sustainable Upgrades at Sky House

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Sky House boasts a redesigned kitchen and dining area within the glazed link, featuring a large corner window and a skylight that frame stunning views and maximize daylight. The renovation also meticulously preserves the bungalow's original structure while significantly enhancing its energy efficiency with new insulation and triple glazing. Externally, the home is clad in Creeton limestone and whitewashed British larch, extending to two patios that blend seamlessly with the natural environment.

The kitchen and dining area, strategically positioned within the glazed link, is a testament to thoughtful design. A prominent corner window, complete with an integrated bench, offers unobstructed views towards the horizon, transforming meal times into an experience. Complementing this, a long skylight, intersected by elegant timber roof beams, bathes the space in an ever-changing wash of natural daylight. Above this central area, the main living space is subtly elevated by half a level, fostering a sense of intimacy while maintaining visual connection. A concealed bookshelf door ingeniously leads to a more secluded part of the home, housing the main bedroom suite, a guest room, and a dedicated study. This design ensures both communal interaction and private retreat. Furthermore, the renovation prioritized sustainability and structural integrity. A substantial portion of the original bungalow's framework was retained, minimizing waste and preserving its historical essence. Energy performance was dramatically improved through the integration of cutting-edge insulation and triple glazing, significantly reducing the home's environmental footprint. The exterior received a comprehensive update, featuring Creeton limestone cladding laid with open joints to echo local dry-stone wall traditions, and whitewashed British larch. This material palette extends to a pair of stepped patios, paved with pale stone and bordered by slatted timber fences and planters, creating a cohesive and natural aesthetic that respects and enhances its hillside location.