Describing the unusual concept behind the side-by-side pair of residences called casas fay (2inns) and designed by Sebastian Mariscal, the architecture critic Javier Sanchez concentrates on the simplicity its "pure masses." "Made of wood, concrete or glass," writes Sanchez, " the resulting architecture is very precise, using labor only for on-site construction." Sanchez notes that on this project the designer is "in near complete control," which is very rare in residential design.
La Jolla Residence
Product
Application
Architect
Sebastian Mariscal StudioPhotography
Lawrence Anderson
Architecture Reduced to Its Essential Elements
Designing a Stronger Connection to Nature
The kitchen and living space of each home sits below a "pure mass" of wood containing the master bedroom, which Mariscal floated above a level of concrete and glass. The designer also wished to obliterate the line between interior and exterior. "With our projects," he says, "we constantly pursue connection to the outside. Living close to nature and experiencing the elements makes us more aware of our surroundings."
A Continuous Indoor-Outdoor Living Experience
NanaWall's glass wall systems are particularly well suited to meeting goals like these, offering a level of design freedom that architects relish. Mariscal specified NanaWall's HSW60 Thermally Broken Aluminum Framed Stacking Glass Walls System for 2inns, and used the glass panels to surround the residential projects' kitchen spaces on three sides. "Providing a continuous indoor/outdoor experience, where the house opens completely to the outside without delineating a boundary, was essential," says Mariscal. "We Prefer to Use Building Systems in a Way That Expresses the Fundamental Qualities of a Space, While Providing Superior Performance."
“Providing a continuous indoor/outdoor experience, where the house opens completely to the outside without delineating a boundary, was essential,” says Mariscal. “ We Prefer to Use Building Systems in a Way That Expresses the Fundamental Qualities of a Space, While Providing Superior Performance. NanaWall’s HSW60 System Facilitated Some of the Most Important Goals of the Project.”
Unobstructed Indoor-Outdoor Living with Ocean Views
The sliding panels provide an opportunity for the occupants to enjoy a kitchen-lounge that has a wall on only one side--an unusual and dramatic effect, especially at night. Sliding systems by other manufacturers could not provide the same level of unobstructed openness.
"The architectonic boundaries of this level vanish," writes Sanchez, "allowing a flow of air and a seamless connection between interior and exterior."
As Sanchez explains, from the street, a visitor will see the houses as a "dynamic perspective of the two wooden volumes floating over the large open living area." But the site does not offer the residence to thorough review by passersby: The true power of NanaWall's contribution to this striking design is reserved for the residents. Whether cooking, hosting a party, or just relaxing, residents and guests of either home can enjoy warm Southern California weather and unobstructed views of the sea below.
How HSW60 Maximizes Openness
With the goal of eliminating the boundary between indoors and outdoors, Mariscal specified the HSW60 for its trackless design and the ability to remove panels completely from the opening. The system replaces visible floor sills with discreet sockets for the panels' locking rods, while a hidden stacking bay allows the space to be fully enclosed without drawing attention to the system.
The HSW60's variable-angle astragal profile enables panels to navigate segmented angles along the track, giving Mariscal the freedom to create completely open right-angle corners.
Says Mariscal, "We prefer to use technology and building systems in a way that expresses the fundamental qualities of a space while providing superior performance. NanaWall's HSW60 system facilitated some of the most important goals of the project." The award-winning designer adds that the installation "became an exciting feature of the design of the main living spaces."
Configuration
HSW60 individual panel system configured around a U-shaped opening, featuring a swing access door and individual panels that slide and stack into a remote parking area to maximize the clear opening.
What Our Customers Have to Say
Saratoga Beach House
The design of this waterfront British Columbia residence was influenced by living at the ocean, surrounded by the beauty of the natural landscape. Sliding glass doors were ideal to achieve this indoor-outdoor connection while protecting interiors.
Mill Valley Remodel
This Mill Valley remodel uses a NanaWall system to transform a dark 1940s home into a bright indoor-outdoor living space.
"The clients have been delighted with how effortlessly the NanaWall system integrates into their lifestyle, making the porch a natural extension of their home."
— Deborah Kendall, Progressive Designs
