Design by Brandon Architects, Gold, On the Boards

Design by Brandon Architects

Entrant/Designer: Brandon Architects

Rendering: Brandon Architects

Size: 13,308 sf

The judges cited this single-family home for its creativity and “innovative solution for garages,” which isn’t surprising, given that the client’s car collection drove the design process. One judge called this project “long, lean, and sexy,” an apt description for an unusual residence that includes a rooftop deck that has a pool and spa with a view.

“The client had a unique set of program requirements that focused on having a double-height garage space with a mezzanine that overlooks his car collection,” says Tyler Wilson, project architect with Brandon Architects, in Costa Mesa, Calif. The client also wanted to pull his cars through the property without backing out onto the street, presenting Wilson’s team with a unique design challenge to keep the front of the home as attractive as possible and not overwhelm the front faÇade with garage doors.

Privacy and security were a concern for the client, so the architect opted to artificially raise the grade to create a terraced bluff that disguises the lower level. That move helps hide a majority of the garage doors from the street, Wilson says, while managing the access points onto the property. 

A sloped landscape wall softens the street frontage, helping reduce the appearance of the home’s overall scale, while also making it look like it’s rising out of the landscape. The resulting design appears to float the house above the garage spaces, with extensive landscaping muting the sleek lines of the building. The judges not only praised the innovative garage solution, but also the project’s proportions, scale, compelling lines, and use of materials. —Michele Lerner

• See more 2019 Professional Builder Design Award winners