Jonathan Segal's practice is particularly inspiring. Rather than waiting or toting for work, Jonathan seeks out plots then: creates, manages and profits from his own developments. He also encourages others to follow in his footsteps via seminars at architectasdeveloper.com. I'm sure you'll agree that his own house epitomises the architectural ethos of his practice: refined, sublime, and harmonious.
This U shaped private residence and studio in La Jolla, California uses its triangular lot to full potential. According to Segal, maximising the triangular plot using standardised measurements and cuboid shapes, without resorting to angles, was key in keeping the costs down. Originally designed with a working studio below grade and residence above, with the company expanding, the lover levels have become a giant entertaining area.
Fully sustainable and divorced from the grid by roof-mounted solar panels, the house is well though out for maximising light whilst equally maintaining privacy. Minimal windows above the fence line hide bedrooms from the busy streets outside. The Ground floor is walled in glass, making a bright and airy living dining area that opens out on one side to a pool and the other across a huge glass roof, that lets light into the lower level. Thanks to Jonathan's ability with the local authorities theres a nice high private fence (9ft is well above town planning limits) that affords privacy to this level. Within the confines of said walls, the house is open and flowing, extending the livable space into the private garden and reflecting pool.
Hidden away across the pool form the main living area is a quiet guest wing, where traffic noise is cushioned by the pool's gurgling and water lapping. It has it's own private courtyard sanctuary as well. From here you can look across at the house. Predominantly a large stucco box resting on, detailed and supported by Corten steel. This wall, punctuated by a large brown box that houses the master suites cabinetry, and is flanked by doors to the first floor bedrooms. A huge abstract steel sculpture stamps the front of the building softening the rectangular lines.
Upstairs, behind the artwork on the first floor are two bedrooms with en suites and their own balconettes. On the top floor, the master bedroom takes up the entire level with walk in wardrobe and views from the balcony out to sea. Jonathan's own house 5.0 is fantastic (as the business adapts, so does his abode). I can't wait to see versions 6.0 and onward.
Plans
Dwell Article
Apart from Jonathan's house on Prospect Street, I'd also like to give you some insight into his practice. Dwell have written a great article about Jonathan's house, his successes and drive, here:http://www.dwell.com/homes/new/3736766.html
About Joathan's company
Jman Development Companies have been responsible for the design and development of over 270 medium to high density urban residential, mixed use, and live/work units totaling over 300,000 square feet of construction. Jman is considered one of downtown San Diego’s most successful and pioneering residential architectural/development companies. Over the last 14 years Jman company has won San Diego’s AIA and California and the Nation’s Highest AIA Honor Awards for Architectural Design and Urban Design. Jman takes pride in the fact that each project has been well received by the community.
They have always been the risk taking pioneer, demonstrating leadership, moving out to the development fringe areas and taking on impossible sites. To date Jman has developed more individual buildings in downtown than anyone in the history of San Diego. Jman currently owns and manages $70 million of real estate in Downtown San Diego.
Architect: Jonathan Segal
Protect Completed: June 2003
Location: Prospect St, La Jolla, San Diego, California
Material: Corten steel & Stucco
Google: Street View - The well grown hedge row helps to mitigate the size of the house.
via: jonathansegalarchitect.com