Luxury Life & Style

designed by Patrick Killen homes regardless of the site, design value or existing urban density. Although everyone has different needs in the function and scale of his or her own home, the “bulk” and imposing scale that many complain about can be avoided with careful consideration to proper building proportions, appropriate setback and relation of scale to surrounding structures. It should be noted, though, that much of this can be seen simply as a reaction to the naturally occurring increase of density in the semi-urban environment of the South Bay. As new homes with modern amenities are built near the older, antiquated box homes of 50 years ago, it is inevitable that some will not like this change and try to label and restrain it as best they can. PK: An average home built today would have been considered huge just 50 years ago. The space in which we live is not just that area enclosed by a roof and walls. In the escalation to provide these bigger homes, we have turned our backs on the outdoor environment. When you look at the climate we are blessed to have here in the South Bay, the design of outdoor spaces ought to be as important as those surrounded by structure. More often than not, however, the outside areas tend to be an afterthought. Well-designed exterior space not only can reduce the scale of buildings but can also create a building that is more livable and truly more valuable. Unfortunately, the real estate community has come to equate value with size. Good design has been relegated to a distant second in the race for the almighty dollar. JM: I agree. If, financially, people have the ability to build bigger, then they probably will sim- ply because the real estate market has placed a much higher value on square footage than they have on the quality of the space or the aesthetic merit of the work. The frenzy in the real estate market in the South Bay has fueled a more quantitative evaluation of residential properties: How many square feet? How many bedrooms? How many baths? How many cars can fit in the garage? I believe we need to urge all those involved to begin bringing attention to the less tangible aspects of a home. By this I mean, the quality of the space. Ocean views at the beach have always added value, but what about “open space”, or exterior space? What about the quality of the natural daylight, or the well-ventilated living area? What about the environmentally conscious finishes, or the highly efficient alternative energy systems? Solar panels? We need Photo courtesy of Charles Chestnut and Pat Killen. May/June 2008 Luxury Life & Style 65

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Luxury Life & Style

Editor's Letter Carte Blanche Home The Arts Seen in the South Bay Give Drive Spotlight Feature Seen in the South Bay Travel The Cellar Dine In Developement Coda

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