Stacked volumes made of steel, concrete, wood and glass form this family home in California, which architecture firm Shubin Donaldson created for an industrial designer.

Los Angeles-based firm Shubin Donaldson completed Skyline Residence for an industrial designer and his young family living in Santa Barbara, a coastal city in central California.

The architects note the client was heavily involved in the design process.
"This stunning home is the result of a very productive and satisfying client/architect relationship," said Shubin Donaldson.

The site posed various challenges, as it is sloped, narrow and oddly shaped. Zoning requirements and a neighbourhood context provided further constraints.

In response, the team designed a slender, three-storey building with setbacks and cantilevers. The structural frame is made of concrete and steel, which are intended to "maximise the formal responsiveness of the structure". Facades consist of large stretches of glass and ipe wooden screens, which help reduce solar heat gain.
The exterior material palette is carried indoors. Rooms feature concrete flooring, metal columns and wooden ceiling panels. In most areas, the home's concrete walls are left exposed.

Shubin Donaldson placed a generous living room and kitchen on the top floor of the 2,600-square-foot (242-square-metre) residence so that the homeowners can enjoy the views of the Pacific Ocean to the south and west.

The second floor is occupied by bedro...