Toro Canyon House / Bestor Architecture

Toro Canyon House  / Bestor Architecture - Table, Lighting, Chair, Bedroom, Beam, PatioToro Canyon House  / Bestor Architecture - Table, Wood, Chair, BeamToro Canyon House  / Bestor Architecture - Table, Chair, Beam, DeckToro Canyon House  / Bestor Architecture - Chair, Facade, Windows, Garden, Patio, Deck, CourtyardToro Canyon House  / Bestor Architecture - More Images+ 15

Santa Barbara County, United States
  • Partner In Charge: Barbara Bestor
  • Project Manager / Architect: Selena Linkous
  • Project Team: Daniel Rabin
  • Mechanical Engineering, Plumbing: Mel Bilow & Associates
  • City: Santa Barbara County
  • Country: United States
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Toro Canyon House  / Bestor Architecture - Garden, Courtyard
© Laure Joliet

Text description provided by the architects. The owners wanted to build a getaway house outside of Los Angeles where they could entertain and find a balance between the modern design they desired and a more direct relationship to nature. After a two year search in the Southern California region they discovered pristine acreage near Montecito at the top of a mountain and adjacent to national park land.

Toro Canyon House  / Bestor Architecture - Image 20 of 20
site Plan

The site strategy is one of slow revelation and discovery of the house and- ultimately- the view. The road, which had to be built for access, brings the visitor to a point below the house- where a formal stair leads up to the entry sequence. The front door frames and reveals views of the Santa Barbara coastline through the courtyard.

Toro Canyon House  / Bestor Architecture - Table, Chair, Patio
© Laure Joliet

A 40’ wide horizontal ‘panavison’-esque opening gives the house a pavilion-like atmosphere. The dwelling is organized around three courtyards; the primary one at the heart of the house also serves as the front entrance and outdoor living room. The courtyards have a dual purpose: they bring in ample natural light and ventilation but also provide protection from the strong winds that can race across the mountain.

Toro Canyon House  / Bestor Architecture - Table, Chair
© Laure Joliet

The rough and very thick boardform concrete walls, custom color-mixed to match the dark red and brown tones of the earth at the site, form a rugged shell that is punctuated by large openings and reveals of the Alaskan cedar wood siding. The inner shell’s warm wood and windows into the protected courtyards create a warm and tactile interior respite from the hardy environment.

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About this office
Cite: "Toro Canyon House / Bestor Architecture" 11 May 2014. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/504464/toro-canyon-house-bestor-architecture> ISSN 0719-8884

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