Holyoke House
Independent Study
October 2020
This home is based off of an existing site in Pacific Palisades, CA, and is designed to meet the applicable zoning requirements. The heart of this property is a central courtyard which maximizes natural light and ventilation for coastal home. Rather than design for maximum square footage, this home optimizes the enjoyment and biophillia of spaces.
Modeled in Revit and rendered with Lumion
Zoning requires addition of a two-car garage, but the narrow property dimension and steep slope makes a 
detached or surface garage an unrealistic choice. Subterranean parking is a great option for this constrained site.
Thoughtful landscaping and dynamic window and roof structure will reduce the looming wall effect.
Basement/garage staircase placement options were limited and ultimately left a somewhat
unfortunate hallway between the front bedrooms and kitchen. The space works well for central
 dining and offers beautiful courtyard views without loosing connection to the kitchen and living.
Solar study and initial space planning
The central courtyard, with space for tall vegetation, provides greenery visible to
almost every room in the house and creates natural, cooling shade.
The master bedroom is placed specifically to optimize views, ventilation, and natural light.
This bedroom is exposed on three sides and will have wonderful sunrises and sunsets while staying
protected from direct sun in the hottest part of the day.
Lot details, resident preferences, initial solar/wind study and space planning.
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