apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Name: Douville Residence; LeanArch
Location: Manhattan Beach, CA
Size: 1,200 sq. ft.

The Douville Residence in Manhattan Beach is admirable for quite a few reasons in our book. First, its fairly modest in size, with just 1,200 sq. ft. for a family of four...quite a rarity for newly built modern homes here in Southern California where large homes are the norm. Architects LeanArch gave the family dwelling a roomy feel with a near cathedral effect, thanks to the use of custom built timber trusses and clerestory windows; the warmth of the wood spanning above across the ceiling gives the modern interior colour complimented by the rich red-orange hues used throughout the home and the ever presence of natural light. The kitchen area is situated 2-steps higher than other living areas, with a diagonal wood floor and a wrap-around island that further divides it from the lower situated rooms. The Douville Residence's footprint is modest, but the sense of space inside is anything but...