butterfly house

The Butterfly House is a single-family residence located in Venice.

The butterfly roof is an environmental system and a sculptural shorthand for the project. The roof shape collects rainwater for irrigation, symbolically ascending above the residential volumes, providing an angular counterpoint to their more rectilinear geometry.

Materiality heightens this contrast: the wood ceiling glows warmly when illuminated against the dark facade. The walls absorb heat for exposed solar thermal performance, signified with evacuated tubes doubling as an architectural accent. This system provides heat for domestic and pool purposes. An outward-facing green wall echoes the roof’s chevron profile with a diagonal pattern of durable, drought-tolerant plants. Meanwhile, the side of the wall facing the house is covered with an edible landscape that provides occupants with fresh produce.

Project Details

Year: 2013
Location: Venice, CA
Typology: Single family residence
Program: 3 bed, 3.5 bath
Size: 3,700 sqft
Sustainable Features: