Modern Architecture

Swimming Pool Construction
Pasadena

On this property, Garden View was responsible for building the ADU/pool house, the pergola, and the pathway connecting the pool house to the patios, landscaping walls, and planters. The existing house is a brilliant example of modern architecture.
Form
Modern architecture is significantly about form. The philosophy behind modern architecture emphasizes simplicity, clean lines, and the purposeful use of space and materials. Key principles include:
1. Form Follows Function: The shape of a building or object should primarily relate to its intended function or purpose. This is a hallmark of modernist thinking, where utility and aesthetics are seamlessly integrated.
2. Simplicity and Clarity of Forms: Modern architecture often features simple, geometric shapes and a lack of unnecessary ornamentation, focusing on the purity of the form itself.
3. Use of Modern Materials: Materials like glass, steel, and concrete are commonly used, allowing for innovative structural designs and forms.
4. Emphasis on Horizontal and Vertical Lines: Modern buildings often emphasize strong horizontal and vertical lines, creating a sense of order and structure.
5. Integration with Nature: Modern architecture often seeks to harmonize with its surroundings, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, often achieved through large windows, open spaces, and the use of natural materials.
In this project, the pergola, pathway, and steps are all functional with geometric shapes, emphasizing horizontal and vertical lineswhile lacking unnecessary ornamentation. The materials used are modern, featuring glass, concrete, and rectangular or square shapes. The round pilaster, spa, and planters provide a slight deviation from strict modernist rules, adding a touch of relief while maintaining functionality.
Client’s Vision
The client’s visionwas to integrate nature with the modern architecture on this large, beautiful, and sloping property. The construction of the pool and ADU/pool house was just one of eight projects on this property. Our goal on the featured project was to build an ADU/pool house and pool that seamlessly integrated into the landscape and appeared to have been constructed at the same time as the house.
Achieving the Vision
To accomplish this, we took cues from the existing structure and the principles of modern architecture. The house is situated on a large, magnificent sloping property in the San Rafael area of Pasadena. The only level area on the property was the obvious functional spot for the pool and pool house. Dennis Braudingham designed the pool house, while Garden View designed and built the pool, landscape, hardscape, pergolas, and managed and constructed the pool house.
Garden View also completed eight other projects over the years on this property, integrating the modern house into the natural landscape. This included a rain fountain from a balcony into a stream that terminated in a pond, with a focuson formalrectangular concrete steppers crossing it while integrating with boulders, a gravel beach, and lush landscaping. A long and formal concrete stairway through the landscape leading and movingyour focusto the distantpond and steppers, creating a visual and physical journey.
The juxtaposition of the stark concrete stairway through the lush, informal landscape starkly and harmoniouslyintegrated the modern architecture with the beautiful natural surroundings.