The Bellino Residence was built to be in dialogue with its natural surroundings. Completed in 2015 by Santa Monica based architecture and design firm, Mayes Office, this abode in the Pacific Palisades comprises of two levels and a roof deck that affords a complete panorama of magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Monica mountains.

The materiality of the house features a modern mixture of wood, steel, concrete and stone – materials that merge effortlessly with the idyllic surroundings. It is further matched beautifully with polished wood flooring throughout. A‘cantilevered’ second level was carved to meet the challenge and comply withbuilding height restrictions set by the city council–doubling the floor area without adding to the heightand not compromising any of the square footage.

Natural light plays an important role in blurring interior and exterior spaces in this residence.The first floor of the home is lifted above the ground by the exposed concrete walls of the basement allowingnatural light to spill into spaces.Light wells penetrate the spatial volumes of the home, and act simultaneously as interior and exterior circulation. The rhythm of the spaces in conjunction with natural light coming from the courtyard space further strengthens the home’s connection to the landscape,bringing a new psychology to the concept of a basement space. A 12’-tall glass pocket wall is the main feature of the living room, which slides open to expose the house to surrounding beautiful canyon vistas; completely dissolving the sense of separation with the exterior environment. With skillful manipulation of illumination and the solid-void relationship, the overall effect achieved is a harmonious integration between architecture and nature.