1. The “S” Residence - a penthouse somewhere far away on a different continent
The challenge...
"Translate" the owner's unique vision—a fascinating challenge indeed. The owner wanted a mix of "1920s and 1930s Art Deco, Ralph Lauren, casual..." set in a prestigious location with incredible views and a Nordic climate.
After letting go of two local architects, they reached out across nine time zones to retain us, an experienced American firm well-versed in European design.
The solution...
First things first, I asked my daughters if Ralph Lauren had a "casual" line—yes, really! Along with diving into Art Deco books, I studied this fashion line. Working closely with the owner, we gradually designed and built an elegant, airy, and luminous home that's both functional and fluid. Over the years, the residents have continually expressed their surprise and joy at what design can achieve—and we've become lifelong friends because of it.
Why the project was aproved...
When working internationally, it's wise to meet the client's vision halfway. It's essential to respect and understand the distant location's environment, climate, history, culture, traditions, finances, and politics, as well as the nuances of such a global, creative relationship.
2. The “E” executive Residences - historic preservation and creative reuse in Spain
The challenge...
What can one do with 16th and 17th-century village ruins? After the EU was established, many mining areas in Europe shut down due to competition from other EU countries, leading to job losses and depopulation.
How can we help these areas bounce back?
The solution...
It’s about finding a diamond in the rough. This valley is magical—everything from roads to buildings is made of high-quality local slate that's been mined here for centuries. The place is a clean, green, untouched gem. Our proposal? Creatively reuse the old village ruins by integrating them into contemporary executive residences and establish a public/private partnership to ensure all stakeholders benefit. This idea won over the local authorities not once, but twice, and it's still standing strong.
Why the project was aproved...
Our design brings investment and jobs back to the area, repopulates it, and honors its history and culture. Plus, it's environmentally gentle, economically viable, and sustainable—a true win-win for everyone involved.
3. The “I” Residence - designing off-the-grid in seismic and wildfire areas
The challenge...
Earthquakes, wildfires, lightning storms, and high winds—these natural events can be devastating. Earthquakes are powerful and unpredictable tectonic shifts. Wildfires, part of nature's cycle, can regenerate habitats but also cause massive destruction. Storms, whether wet or dry, bring their own challenges but are generally easier to manage.
The solution...
Design a home that's simple, stable, and compact, aligning with the geological conditions of the site. This helps the structural engineer develop a flexible, strong, and resilient steel frame structure. Incorporate both interior and exterior automatic fire sprinkler systems, ensure the construction is at least 1-hour fire rated, and maintain a realistic fire-defensible space around the home. Although powerful natural events might still cause damage, these measures significantly increase the home's survivability. Consider making the residence "off the grid" and add a lightning rod system for extra safety.
Why the project was aproved...
While these types of residences are more expensive to build, the long-term benefits are clear. Local planning, building, fire, and public works departments often support the development of such resilient structures due to their enhanced safety features.
4. The “L” Residence - excessive set of challenges, turned around
The challenge...
Revamping a 1936 hunting lodge with a natural spring flowing right through it. Picture a dirt road leading to an old shack, poorly converted into a residence at the bottom of a stunning canyon. This makeshift home had its share of issues—poor functionality, wasted space, shoddy construction, and a fireplace lacking rebar. It needed a lot of creativity, careful design, and love from a calm and experienced team ready to tackle the inevitable surprises.
The solution...
We buckled down to study, learn, and prepare for any and all challenges. DIAP crafted a strong, functional, reliable, resilient, and safe minimalist modern residence, complete with five levels of drainage redundancy to handle water from both the hill above and the spring running through the house. Building this was tough, especially with the heavy rains in the fall and winter of 2018/2019, but since its completion, the residence has stayed completely dry—even during the stormy seasons of 2022/2023, which saw nearby houses suffer from mudslides and flooding.
Why the project was aproved...
Thanks to intelligent owners, a thoughtful design approach, a skilled professional team, a dependable contractor, and a strong, positive relationship with city officials during construction.