Pritzkat & Johnson Architects

Oct 2013

The clients had a great location on a hillside with ocean views. Yet the existing house had a compartmentalized floor plan, numerous levels changes, low ceilings and minimal fenestration towards key views. And many of the building systems and materials had reached the end of their life cycle. Starting over on the same lot would have involved lengthy public hearings, expensive foundation work and the loss of previously granted approvals of the existing site. And when the owners compared their new house wish list alongside the list of the things they liked about the current site, it made sense to remodel. The existing house had a dated appearance of indeterminate style. Many homes in the neighborhood were new or had been substantially renovated which further highlighted this fact. Palos Verdes Estates has a strong tradition of Spanish Revival architecture dating back to the early 1920s, and the local neighborhood is called Lower Malaga Cove, named after the coastal town in Spain and the beautiful kelp-forested cove a couple of hundred yards from the house. A traditional Spanish house, with a few contemporary touches was the logical choice. Earth tone mission tile roof with salt-air friendly copper flashing and gutters, smooth plaster with integral color and aluminum-clad wood doors and windows (also with ocean-air resistant hardware) and hot-dipped galvanized and painted guardrails create the desired old Spanish aesthetic with low-maintenance, durable components.

Palos Verdes Estates, CA

Jul 2013

New Single Family Home

Manhattan Beach, CA

Jan 2012

This European Architecture inspired home was designed to entertain. The remodeled Kitchen overlooks the pool and, by eliminating the upper cabinets, lets in an abundance of natural light. With the addition of a 40-square-foot island, the space still allows for plenty of storage and a large serving area. A new exterior balcony and patio were added to create an outdoor entertaining area just off the main living space, and a new circular staircase transitions to a lower level pool patio complete with fire pit and access to the extensive wine cellar. Each of the indoor and outdoor living spaces open up to one another, yet remain intimate.

Palos Verdes Estates, CA

Jan 2012

This Rustic Mediterranean home was originally a one-story structure with a semi-subterranean garage. During the extensive remodel, the house was supported on stilts while the lower level was carved out to provide for nearly twice as much livable square footage. As part of the new design, light wells on the sides of the house were created to bring natural light into the lower rooms while the upper level was designed to now take full advantage of the lush views of the Palos Verdes Hills.

Palos Verdes Estates, CA

Jan 2010

This Transitional Contemporary home remodel focused mainly on the redefining the interior space. We created functional areas that gave the owners the galleries they desired to display their various paintings, furniture and textiles. A terrace was added to the Master Bedroom to take advantage of the view, and a sculptural spiral staircase that winds down to a covered sitting area was also added to create an additional space to escape.

Palos Verdes Estates, CA

Jan 2008

This Spanish Colonial Revival started off as an unassuming wood shingle ranch home. Although technically a remodel, every room was re imagined to make the clients wish of living in a 1920s Spanish style home a reality. The sloping property allowed for a two-story structure at the rear yard while maintaining a charming one-story profile from the street.

Palos Verdes Estates, CA