SAN YSIDRO RD.

Originally designed by Lutah Maria Riggs and built in 1952, Sculpt Architects was honored to be retained for a renovation of the Alice Erving Residence in Montecito, California.

After decades of deferred maintenance, this noteworthy example of Ms. Riggs’ modernist period had fallen into severe disrepair. Grounds were overgrown and unkempt, original interior built-in casework was decaying, exterior wood was in need of replacement, and all mechanical systems were at the end of life.

Sculpt Architects worked very closely with the new owners of this property, as well as a local landscape architect and general contractor to carefully identify both interior and exterior spaces that could be successfully altered without impacting the more iconic public spaces of the home and property. Throughout the demolition phase of the project, architectural details were documented so that they could be replicated when replacement finishes were introduced. Specimen plantings were noted and protected.

Exterior siding was removed and replaced in-kind with Western Red Cedar that was treated to match the existing grey to which the original had weathered. Low E glazing replaced the original plate glass windows throughout the central core of the residence, including the large north facing façade. A modern hydronic heating system was introduced to the home to serve in-floor heating where alterations occurred and baseboard heaters were carefully integrated into the design in areas left untouched. Careful selection of the correct flooring subcontractor for the project ensured that the existing terrazzo flooring would be matched to perfection in areas where saw-cutting was required. The kitchen was completely updated and modernized with high end casework and appliances.

The result of these efforts is a “new original” that has all of the conveniences of a modern and more energy efficient home which retains the iconic connection to nature that was assured thru Ms. Riggs’ original design.

Structural Engineer: Doyle-Morgan Structural Engineers
Mechanical Engineer: AG Mechanical Engineers
Landscape Architect: Charles McClure Landscape Architect
General Contractor: Armstrong Associates