HomeMy WebLinkAboutCDP 97-59; Levy Residence; Coastal Development Permit (CDP) (24)c
MELVIN DALTON McGEE
ARCHITECT -
24Augustl998
California Coastal Commission
i
Dear Coastal Commissioners,
I am writing in regard to the proposed John C. Levy residence on the Buena Vista
Lagoon in Carlsbad, California.
I appreciate the opportunity of being the Architect for this project. I was selected by
Mr. Levy in part for my 10 years as an architect with Rob Wellington Quigley, FAIA,
and for my numerous design awards. Mr. Levy has insisted that the project be of
the highest quality in design and construction.
The residence is designed as a direct response to its unique setting. The siting,
massing and choice of materials were all carefully considered to complement the
natural setting and to minimize impact on the site. The site configuration was a
result of multi-agency collaboration, including the Coastal Commission, City of
Carlsbad and Fish and Wildlife Service.
Unlike most residential properties, this site incorporates a significant amount of
dedicated open space around every side of the property. The remaining limited
building area restricts any view impact to a minimum. The main residence is raised
four feet above grade, to minimize possible adverse affects from potential hundred
year flooding. The roof height (30 feet) is well below the maximum 35 feet
permitted. The key concept of the design is to create interior spaces that relate to
the lagoon. Lowering the height of the structure would negatively impact the
interior spaces making them feel proportionately too low for the floor area. The
plan is multi-storied to preserve the remaining lot orea for landscape area.
1530 WEST LEWIS STREET
SAN DIEGO CALIFORNIA 92103
PHONE: 619-299-91 11
FACSIMILE: 619-260-1 11 2
c
c_
-
c
c
c
c
MELVIN DALTON McGEE
ARCHITECT
The height of the guest quorters, also, is below the maximum allowed. Only the
peak of the hip roof reaches a 33 foot 7 inch height. The bulk of the structure
(below the fop plate) is below 28 feet.
Materials for the project were selected for their suitability to withstand the relatively
harsh seaside environment while maintaining their inherent natural appearance.
The sand-colored concrete block is a naturat finish material. Its variegated
aggregate evokes the surrounding beach sand. The copper roof was selected for its
longevity os well as its ability to weather and develop a natural patina over time.
The use of these materials are not of a particular architectural era, the result being
that the residence will feel more like it has been a part of its setting than most of its
neighbors.
Mr. Levy is proposing to build a residence that is sensitive to its setting and
respadful of its impad on surrounding properties and public space. He hos enlisted
every applicable agency in its development and, as a result, limited severely the
possible scope of development on the property. The proposed residence is
consistent with the goals of the California Coastal Ad. I urge you to approve the
proieci as submitted.
Melvin Dalton McGee, Architect (/
California License No. C-15586