20575 Cheney Drive Topanga (los Angeles), CA 90290

M. Charles Bernstein, AIA, Architect | Bernstein House, 2011. Nestled on a verdant semi-rural site with spectacular views of a mountain ridge to the north, the multiple award-winning architect's own home is straightforward and elegant, with an integration of form and function, efficient use of space, and exacting attention to detail. A series of folded planes defines the exterior volume. The standing-seam Cor-ten metal roof folds down to become the exterior wall finish on one side, rising up on the other to create an eighteen-foot high north-facing glass wall facing the mountain. Another fold above the Kitchen creates a butterfly condition, allowing a large clerestory window to flood the interior with southern light. These lofty gestures are counterbalanced by surrounding low ceilings in the dining alcove and private wing, providing a sense of compression and release. Every room in the house is connected to nature through large storefront doors and windows.The open floor plan flows seamlessly through the house, linking interior spaces and extending outward to decks on both sides, affording a direct connection to the garden and expanding the home's footprint for entertaining. The front deck has an intimate, tree-shaded "breakfast" eating area directly off the kitchen, while the ex