A fire-resistant Malibu retreat that’s also green

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Architects Nick Roberts and Cory Buckner employed a dual design goal for their Malibu weekend retreat, creating not only a fire-resistant hillside home but also a sustainably built one. Their design called for a hard shell on the north side to protect from the elements and a transparent membrane on the south to invite in sun and views. They also partially sunk the structure into the earth to minimize its apparent size, and the mossy green exterior blends with the landscape. Solar design and recycled and renewable materials minimize the carbon footprint.

At 700 square feet this is a small house with big ideas. To see more, check out our expanded photo gallery as well as my article from the Home section.

-- Barbara Thornburg