Mountainside Studio

Located on a mountainside property with breathtaking views of the Channel Islands, this 800 sq. ft. studio was never meant to be. While designing a new main residence, wildfires swept through without warning, completely destroying the 1 bedroom home. The cottage is the reincarnation of the home that stood in the very same location before the fires.

Composed of rustic, natural, and inherently fire-resistive materials, the cottage was inspired by the rugged mountainside landscape and by the chalets of the French Alps where the clients spend part of the year. Board-formed concrete walls extend out into the site and landscape to form a terraced side yard and are used in the house to form the hearth and fireplace. Designed like a boat, the cottage maximizes space with thick storage walls and a simple floor plan.

Share:
Modern hillside residence with dark stucco exterior, wood beams, corrugated metal siding, and landscaped entry
Modern hillside residence with dark stucco exterior, wood-framed windows and doors, and stone patio overlooking coastal views in Santa Barbara
Living area with custom built-in wood shelving, stepped floor transition, and wood-framed glass door
Living room with vaulted wood ceiling, stone fireplace, and large glass doors opening to outdoor deck
Bedroom interior with exposed wood beam ceiling, plaster walls, wood door, and corner window
Two images side by side showing architectural details of a modern cottage: the left side highlights corrugated metal siding and a wooden bench overlooking a hillside, while the right side shows a dark grey stucco exterior with a concrete base and a prominent chimney against a clear blue sky.
Outdoor shower set against board-formed concrete retaining wall with native hillside landscaping


Blackbird Team | Kyle Bruce, Ken Radtkey, James Kyle, Matthew Eastwood
Landscape Architect | VAI Van Atta Associates Inc.
Structural Engineer | Mike Gones Engineers
Electrical Engineer | JMPE Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineer | Mechanical Engineering Consultants
Civil Engineer | Mike Gones Engineers
Contractor | Allen Construction
Photography | Tyson Ellis