Elemental House

Moore Ruble Yudell and Lily Jencks collaborated on an extensive remodel of a landmark residence in Rustic Canyon. The 1982 remodel designed by Charles Jencks, Charles Moore, and Buzz Yudell, named the “Elemental House” for its celebration of Earth, Water, Air and Fire, was featured in Progressive Architecture. The property consisted of three structures: a single-family home, a pool house fronting an iconic pool in the shape of the State of California and a small guest house.

Forty years after completion, the home had begun to deteriorate and required a complete remodel. We worked closely with Charles Jencks’ daughter Lily to transform the property to suit the needs of her young family. The remodel involved a combination of renovation, additions and thoughtful insertions with care given to be mindful of the original design. New clerestory windows illuminate interior spaces and sliding glass doors open the house to outside gardens and views.

Lily’s landscape design knits the site and buildings together with a series of beautiful, cascading paths and waterways. Overgrown planting was removed and shaped to reclaim views to the canyon and Pacific Ocean. The transformed home and landscape will provide an inspired living space for the next forty years and beyond.