t
his mutual devotion to the art oF arChiteCture
is evident in the Beck residence, where the Noppenbergers first
task was creating a double-height entry. Horst says, “The entry
was two floors stacked on top of each other. When you walked in,
it was impossible to read the entire space.” At only 2,000 square
feet, the project was also an exercise in efficiency and restraint.
“We work with a limited amount of materials because we don’t
believe every room has its own theme or colors,” Arianna says.
“We believe less is more.” Throughout the house, they used one
material—Turkish Travertine—on the walls, floors and countertops.
Minimalism is executed in even the most minute details: the
heating and air-conditioning ducts are simple slots in the ceiling,
the shower drain is a slit in the side with a slightly sloping grade,
and the light switches are almost invisible. The television and
shades retract into the ceiling, providing unobstructed harbor
views through frameless windows.
Incorporating the natural surroundings—whether it’s a
waterfront view, or a seaside cliff—is a hallmark of Horst’s work.
“We’re always working on hillsides. Rather than just plopping a
house on top of a hill, we like to build a house that is of the hill,
where the natural contours and topography are still present.
Maybe the house cantilevers, thus there’s this playfulness, this
weightlessness.” Arianna interjects, “And that weightlessness
extends to the interiors,” she says, pointing to the entry. “Look at
the staircase; it is open and floating.”
Like any husband and wife, though, they don’t agree on
everything. “But having divergent opinions makes the client feel
more comfortable to give their opinion too,” Arianna says. Horst
adds, laughing, “Some clients start keeping score after a while:
As of last week, it was seven for Arianna and four for Horst” n
Aria
Design, 247 Forest Avenue, Suite C, Laguna Beach, California
949 376 5996 x223 ariades.com
apr + may 2009
Cover
IFC
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