Houses in a Courtyard of Santa Monica by Inaba Williams Architects in California, USA

Project: Houses in a Courtyard of Santa Monica
Architects: Inaba Williams Architects
Location: Santa Monica, California, United States
Area: 3,900 sq ft
Year: 2022
Photography: Brendon Shigeta

Houses in a Courtyard of Santa Monica by Inaba Williams Architects

The "Title 24" energy efficiency standards for buildings in California inspired the innovative design of these zero-energy consumption homes in Southern California. Instead of copying the style of mid-century houses with large windows requiring energy-intensive materials and high electricity consumption, these courtyard homes take a new approach.

They prioritize energy efficiency by limiting window usage to 20% of the surface area and strategically placing them around main living areas to maximize natural light. These homes also reduce interior space, focusing on outdoor relaxation zones bounded by perimeter walls.

The central courtyard becomes an indoor-outdoor hub, including a dining area, fire pit, and serene zen garden. These homes represent a model of sustainable, energy-efficient living for the future.

"Title 24" (California building energy efficiency standards) inspired the design of zero-energy consumption homes. We view the recently enacted state law as an opportunity to rethink single-family housing in Southern California.

While a mid-century "Case Study" style house is still possible under Title 24, such a home would require high-energy materials and significant power consumption, contradicting the goals of energy efficiency standards. Instead, the Santa Monica courtyard homes have a different look and feel better suited for current climate conditions. With far fewer windows, the external form reduces heat gain from sunlight and decreases energy consumption while still offering the ability to enjoy both interior and exterior spaces— a hallmark of excellent Los Angeles homes.

Following the Title 24 approach that limits glass use to just 20% of surface area, we concentrated the limited window and glass door areas around main living zones. Rooms opening onto the courtyard receive abundant natural light from all three sides. Two stairwells combine vaulted ceilings and windows.

By constructing less floor area than allowed by law, the adjacent homes increase outdoor relaxation space and reduce internal volume requiring heating and cooling. Perimeter walls extend outward to create open-air spaces: the courtyard is the central element, enhanced with a dining area, fire pit, and zen garden.

Like buildings that introduced new architectural forms after the adoption of New York's 1916 zoning resolution, we hope that these Santa Monica courtyard homes will become a model of construction that can be replicated and improved upon in the future for creating vertical volumes.

-Inaba Williams Architects