This two-story modern family retreat has been given a complete overhaul by JFAK Architects, located in Santa Monica, California. The ultimate in entertaining, the property features a brand new guest home, swimming pool and covered outdoor living spaces. Combined with the original residence on the property, this creates a compound for family living.

The new 1,430 square foot addition is in perfect harmony with the original structure, yet retains its own unique identity. The guest home has also has achieved a LEED Platinum rating for its sustainable green practices, which were seamlessly integrated into its distinctive design. Its architectural envelop offers walls of glass that creates a seamless indoor-outdoor connection.

The framing of the guest home hovers over the property, providing shade to the backyard due to its southern orientation. “Over the home office, an intriguing triangular cut-out creates a dramatic form, but also introduces generous amounts of ambient northern light,” states the architects. “A steel and wood trellis offers wonderful shading over the yard, while simultaneously playing host to a 2.4kW photovoltaic array that powers the house and swimming pool.”

What We Love: This modern family retreat provides an overall sense of well-being. From the relaxed living environment to the environmental responsibilities that this compound provides. Light-filled interiors and a merging of indoor-outdoor living is all thanks to the integration of expansive walls of glass. The culmination is a brilliant architectural design that provides a wonderful habitat for the whole family enjoy.

Readers: We would love to hear your thoughts on this dwelling, what do you like most about the design. Is there anything you would like to have seen designed differently? Please share with us in the comments at the end of this article.

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Photos: Benny Chan, Fotoworks