Can Modern, Green Architecture Still Be Cozy?

Having won a 2013 American Institute of Architects (AIA) Merit Award and receiving LEED Platinum certification, one of the newest homes on Calle de la Plata in La Jolla, California is the epitome of forward-thinking design. The minimalist four bedroom, four-and-a-half bath was a three year labor of love for owners Jack and Jill Nooren, Hill Construction designer Joseph Diasparra, and domusstudio architect David Keitel.

Constructed on a modest 5,000 square foot corner lot, the home features an assortment of energy-saving assets including Energy Star-rated appliances, a solar thermal water heating system, ceiling vents and LED lighting, and touts a plethora of recycled resources. The result? The Noreen’s highest energy bill after a year of residence was a mere $36.

Unquestionably, the home is one that leaves passerbys' mouthes agape - and for good reason. The streamlined, modernist exterior touts a large second story great room that is enclosed on two sides by walls made entirely of glass. A circumnavigating balcony provides privacy, while also creating a harmonious indoor/outdoor space that further enabled LEED certification-worthy design aspects.

But what is perhaps most intriguing about the home’s modern, environmentally-friendly open air design is the owner’s take on it’s quaintness: “All that space in one large room makes the house feel cozy and comforting despite the fact that the architecture if ultra modern. It was a brilliant solution.” Perhaps this sentiment from Jill Nooren is the most admirable of all the trophies, awards or certificates that the architect could possibly hope to receive - to create a chic, ultra-modern aesthetic that is also warm and welcoming to the inhabitants.

The key of course is not confining oneself to a boxed definition of “coziness” and, instead, collaborating closely with those who will truly experience the space, the result of which can be quite dynamic.

In the case of the Nooren’s home, all three parties - they, Diasparra, and Keitel - connected on a weekly basis to create a design that complimented their personalities and lifestyles. In an article for the local news source, Keitel detailed how the Nooren’s passion for sustainability captained many of the design aspects, while Diasparra explained the benefits of working collaboratively with both the design team and builder from the very start. But you don’t have to take their word for it, as their creation does all its own talking - by getting in touch with the client’s motives, passions and deepest expectations, even seemingly paradoxical architectural designs can combine flawlessly.