Comments on: The Hilltop House by Safdie Rabines

By: Abbi

Abbi — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 23:12:20 +0000

Absolutely stunning!!!!

By: Gallagher

Gallagher — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 05:11:54 +0000

Gabriela, here are some more photos by John Leonffu of the Hilltop home.

http://www.real-estate-photographer.com/video/0805-14895elsentido/

Drew, I am working on scanning in the plan. In the meantime, you can Google Earth on 14895 El Sentido, Rancho Santa Fe, CA to get an idea of the roof plan.

Eamonn, here is lottery information:
http://www.calottery.com/default.htm

By: Eamonn

Eamonn — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 01:21:46 +0000

This is the sort of place I need; and the money to go with it!

By: Drew Winget

Drew Winget — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 20:51:05 +0000

One of the most striking features of this home is its diagonal primary interior axis. From the pictures, it looks like pairs of rooms are arranged as “L” shapes with the stairs between these “L”s. The axis is formed by the path one would take walking up the stairs, which axis inclines to each room at a 45 degree angle.

I wonder what it feels like to be in that kind of space. I imagine it lends some privacy to the rooms, while keeping an open feeling. The primary interior axis formed by the stairs doesn’t seem to be reflected in the exterior structure, however. With the exposed beams, that must lead to a very interesting and dynamic rhythm of structural elements.

In light of these curiosities, is there any way CONTEMPORIST could obtain and post a plan of the house, so we can see how all these elements are wedded?

By: Gabriela Deliz

Gabriela Deliz — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:53:33 +0000

You should show more pictures, like the bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, etc. All I know is that i’m gonna live in this house when I grow up!(I’m 12 years old)

By: Shakerosalt

Shakerosalt — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:44:27 +0000

Fantastic!

By: kast

kast — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 09:09:25 +0000

a thumbs up for the architect who dare to play with the sharp edges and stair …nice works really because its seems an engma between both of it.

By: Joseph Leto

Joseph Leto — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 22:13:46 +0000

I am the artist responsible for some of the artwork hung in this house. After I became aware of this wonderful example of modern residential architecture, I knew it would be a perfect place to show my artwork. Thankfully the owner agreed, so now, a number of pieces hang in various places throughout the home, unfortunately not many are shown in these pictures. If you are interested in seeing more of my work go to:
josephletoart.com or if you are near where the house is, go there, it would be a great experience for many reasons.

By: Robert Wright

Robert Wright — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 16:57:20 +0000

Not only am I a huge fan of Safdie Rabines and their amazing design of this home, I had the honor of being the interior designer on the project. You can’t beat being in the space – that is when it really comes to life.

By: M. Hupka

M. Hupka — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:21:25 +0000

What a perfect place for entertaining friends, family and business associates. The views are breathtaking. If only I could make this dream house my home.

By: Christina

Christina — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 20:43:54 +0000

Check out the link–the panorama photos are awesome!

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 09:46:10 +0000

Taal Safdie’s father has most definitely influenced her approach to design. In fact the last photo with the purple jacarandas in front of the house evokes her father’s Yeshiva Porat Yosef in its terraced outlines. It even echos Habitat ’67′s themes of light and terracing. I believe Taal grew up there.

“All this is in one way or another a search for beauty.”

Moshe Safdie on building uniqueness | Video on TED.com Habitat ’67

Also, check out the seven panoramic shots under Virtual Tour on the realtor site. Panos are a dated technology, but they really help you understand the dimensionality of this particular structure and the architect’s brilliance in siting and lighting.

By: Tim

Tim — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:00:14 +0000

Absolutely spectacular and stunning design. I think this is the most beautiful house ever built.

The only thing better than the design itself would be the ability to afford to own it.

By: Jan Rathinger

Jan Rathinger — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:45:22 +0000

Most houses are pretty boring. This is more exciting architecture than 99% of the houses in the world.

By: Christian

Christian — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:07:24 +0000

Hmm, a huge complex with a great view and all the creature comforts one can ask for. Yeah, if I’d have the money I could image living there. And invite a lot of friends.. There is space in abundance and it still has some cozy, back-home atmosphere, which is sometimes lost in modern architecture when someone tries to create something special without keeping in mind that it should be habitable. Having said that, exciting architecture this one is not!

By: Tom

Tom — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 03:52:11 +0000

This is a stunning home, but the second and third pictures are a bit jarring because at first glance they look like mirrored images… Perhaps not the best angle

By: zachary

zachary — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 03:15:58 +0000

safdie rabines are a married couple. Taal Safdie is pedigre. Her father worked with Louis Kahn. Ricardo is her husband who is also very talented. They are the principals of their firm.

By: kyle

kyle — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 01:55:33 +0000

That is absolutely amazing. I love how the ceiling echoes the stairs both in color and texture and how open it is. The wood mixed and layered with the bright white is stunning. Amazing.

By: kiwi

kiwi — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 01:27:13 +0000

Wow!Gorgeous!Awesome!!

By: Lance

Lance — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 17:26:35 +0000

It’s a little much of the brown, but WOW! It’s a complex more than a house though, but impressive nonetheless.