Given that their Manhattan Beach, California, neighborhood was full of traditional mansions, it would have been easy for a couple with two young children to build a home that fit in with the bigger-is-better status quo. But the family wanted something unconventional, so they turned to architect Anthony Laney of Laney LA to help them create a space that would encourage them to cultivate a simpler lifestyle. "The clients knew at the beginning of the project they did not need much square footage," says the architect. "When a house can be small, suddenly a multitude of exciting design opportunities appear such as a full-length lap pool, two private courtyards, and cathedral-like ceiling heights."
The 1,400-square-foot home includes two gabled volumes, one with the kids' bedroom and bath and the other containing the primary suite and main living spaces. Infrequently used spaces, such as a formal entry and dining room, were scrapped. Instead, the side yard provides a lovely welcome and the breakfast nook serves as the main dining area.
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By minimizing the footprint of the home, the team was also able to preserve the natural landscaping on the lot, which, along with passive ventilation, was a top priority. The house makes the most of its square footage with comfortable yet elegant spaces — proving that bigger isn't always better.
