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as a result , we kept only two walls of the entire house ,” he explains , emphasizing the magnitude of the overhaul .
The walls were kept strategically to adhere to building regulations regarding proximity to the hillside . This decision , although rooted in regulatory compliance , also paid homage to the original footprint of the home . “ The geometry of the house was preserved around the kitchen ,” Chris shares , which also indicates how the decision and planning move outlines the balance between innovation and tradition . “ Other than that , it was a completely fresh start .”
When asked about whether he feels emotional seeing a home he designed go to market , Chris ’ s response is nuanced . He recounts an anecdote from an older project and acknowledges there is an attachment that clients often develop to their homes , especially ones that have been custom designed . However , in the case of the Mandeville Canyon property , Chris ’ s focus lay on ensuring that the client ’ s investment and dedication yielded the best possible returns .
“ I ’ m most excited about the sale price on this one , because I think that indicates the amount of love and energy we put into the project . But I think in this instance , it ’ s different because the project is a spec home – I ’ m sure I ’ d feel differently if it was their home ,” he admits .
That isn ’ t to say that Mandeville Canyon was without some epic features . Indeed , the fact that this was a spec home offered Chris the opportunity to try his hand at some of the more daring designs . One of his favorite aspects of the house is the entry hall . “ The way the stairs ascend , the way the light comes down the stone on the wall in the evenings , and the spatial feel to it is all really beautiful ,” he divulges . However , for Chris , the most interesting design is the water feature . “ I ’ ve never done this before . It greets you at the front of the house , but the water flows away from you as you walk up the main stairs , and meanders around a corner . Then it travels underneath the second bridge , which then connects from the main house to the theatre room . It then waterfalls towards the front of the property . The whole
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