ARCHITECT TAKES YEARS TO CAREFULLY RESHAPE HER HOME, TREATING CABINETS, STAIRCASES AND WALLS AS SCULPTURAL OBJECTS OR PIECES OF FURNITURE. Story by Richard H. Dodd AIA
It is especially sensible for professionals such as architect Karen T, Otis, a single mom with two children. Her architectural practice does not depend on public exposure, so no need for a storefront, and it's low impact in terms of traffic generation. Karen purchased her Huntington Harbour home m 1991. The development is situated in north Huntington Reach. Bordering on the south is the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve and to the north is Sunset Beach. Huntington Harbour dates to 1963 and consists of five man-made islands bounded by a network of navigable channels connecting to Anaheim Bay and the Pacific Ocean.
Otis' home stands out In Huntington Harbour, as it should, as an architect-de-signed home. Many of the homes are approaching 40 years old and have undergone redesign. The residence projects a comfortable contemporary aesthetic. A warm palette of natural materials auch as redwood, maple, cedar, safari quartzite, ledge stone and copper bring warmth to the sharp contemporary lines. The exterior harmoniously combines smooth "quemado" finished stucco with ledge stone, rice paper glass and aluminum standing seam roof. The front elevation is a balanced design of asymmetrical composition with linear planes of glass and light that slip past each other. Otis took years to realize the design. The home was remodeled piece by piece. Each phase was approached with the same design sensibility and creativity. There is a rethinking of each element so that what could be ordinary is redefined. Cabinetry, staircases, media walls – all are treated as sculptural objects or pieces of furniture.
artwork, family photos, softer lighting and background music. This area opens to a well-landscaped patio with pool, spa, water features and barbecue area. Earth, air, fire and water all are present as outdoor gardens seem to enter interior space. A quartzite three-sided fireplace forms the home's central core. Fountains and a pool are integral to the design as the sound of water is carried throughout the house. And, light and air-filled open spaces flow seamlessly into one another. The upstairs was remodeled to an office area. It is utilitarian in design, but has intriguing spaces. A bridge crosses over the entry below where a receptionist has a view of the entry and is adjacent to Otis' conference room and drafting area. The drafting area opens to a two-story atrium, which provides good light.
Otis graduated with a bachelor's degree from UCLA and then completed her master's degree at the Southern California Institute of Architecture. She then sought other modes of inspiration, which she found in her travels to Europe where she observed examples of what she calls "true architecture." Traveling caused her to be more interested in the creative process, which she has since utilized in each of her projects. Otis's commitment to her work has also led her to spend some other time teaching architectural workshops for schoolchildren. "For me, architecture goes beyond each individual project," she said. "It is a lifelong kind of study, an exploration of the whole notion of architecture, and one that I enjoy tremendously. If I, in my small way through my work, can help enrich people's day-to-day experience and perhaps bring more beauty into their lives, then I will have created architecture with true meaning and timeless spirit." RESOURCE Karen T. Otis, Architect
This article appears in the December, 2006 issue of Orange County Home Magazine. To find out more about Orange County Home Magazine, log onto their website at: |
In this day of easy telecommunications and high gasoline prices, a home office makes good sense.
Otis chose Davenport Island, which has 227 homes located both on and off the water.
It was originally a three-bedroom home downstairs with a second-story playroom and a guest bedroom. She completely re-modeled the downstairs to a living are conducive to a family home environment. This included setting the mood with furnishings,
It may be the most difficult challenge for an architect to design or remodel her own home. Otis has met this very well due to her training and philosophical commitment to improving one's life by means of architecture. "Architecture, like other artistic endeavors, should contribute to and deepen the human experience," she said.