Bronze Winner of the Architecture & Design Collection Awards 2024

ALPICE

Architecture
Private Residences
Completed
Professional Category

Architect / Designer:

Erla Dögg Ingjaldsdóttir and Tryggvi Thorsteinsson

Studio:

Minarc

Design Team:

Minarc

Copyright:

Art Gray Photography

Country:

United States

Resting comfortably deep within the famed Hollywood Hills sits the ALPICE Home. A striking culmination of design expertise: the ALPICE Home is an exquisitely balanced blending of space and function thoughtfully oriented to take full advantage of natural light and cross-ventilation.

A well-defined and effortlessly inhabitable domicile, the layout of the ALPICE Home is multifaceted with a focus on clean simplicity, purposeful sustainability, and aesthetically pleasing functionality. Drawing inspiration from beautifully dramatic landscapes in nature, the ALPICE Home creates subtly contrasting interior spaces to stimulate the senses, while an abundance of natural light streams through expansive windows to enhance the home’s sense of fluidity and blur the distinction between interior and exterior. ALPICE offers a mid-level entryway with direct access to the multipurpose study and accompanying outdoor sitting area, two guest bedrooms, as well as a bathroom and laundry, all of which are located at street level. From this same entrance, one can descend the glass-walled staircase to a full guest suite with an ensuite bathroom that abuts a spacious family room. The family room is fronted with sliding floor-to-ceiling glass walls that open to the peaceful outdoor deck and pool area. Upon entering the home one can also take the staircase up to the main common areas. Ascending the stairs, one is welcomed into the spacious living and dining areas as well as the well-appointed master suite, all of which are surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows. Additionally, sliding glass doors provide access to two large balconies that stretch along the home’s south wall and offer dazzling views of the surrounding canyon and Mountains.

The first floor deck takes optimal advantage of the home’s location to provide residents with considerable additional living space that, thanks to Southern California’s comfortable temperate Mediterranean climate, can be enjoyed year-round. In addition to the outdoor deck and balconies, the ALPICE home includes an expansive rooftop sitting area to maximize the home’s usable living space while providing stunning birds-eye views of the surrounding landscape. The roof deck features a built-in grill and cooking area and offers sample space for outdoor entertaining.

The ALPICE Home boasts a striking accent wall; a bold coalescence of obsidian rock and flowing sand murals. Designed to represent “New Earth, New Life,” this beautiful black sand wall is subtly accented with pieces of obsidian representative of volcanic lava and functions to please the eye while extending the concept of ‘bringing the outside, in’ via the artful inclusion of natural elements inspired by the Icelandic landscape.

Containing a thoughtful selection of the latest in home lighting technology and modern design while maintaining a keen eye toward efficiency and sustainability, the ALPICE Home is an environmentally smart, aesthetically soothing, and sensorial serene space.

Minarc

Minarc is an award winning design studio recognized internationally for its unique approach, one which embraces contemporary design, and employs innovative materials and technologies, while adhering to sustainable practices and design standards.

Principals Erla Dögg Ingjaldsdóttir and Tryggvi Thorsteinsson, derive inspiration from the unassuming, almost austere beauty and otherworldly natural features of their native Iceland, the land of fire and ice. An
appreciation for the absence of barriers and respect for open and integrated living spaces have become key elements of each project.

Our work ranges from small-scale renovations to new construction, in residential, commercial and public settings. Each project shares an emphasis on the blurring of distinction between interior and exterior spaces through the exploitation of natural light, creation of outdoor living rooms, and artistically framed views of nature.

We encourage designers and architects to share their best projects with the rest of the world so as to inspire the next generation and gain global recognition.