‘Glass Box’ Full of Surprises - Page 2

Among the inspirations for the unusual double‐atrium interior was the Klopf firm's work with Eichler homes. "The way you can see through all the glass walls was inspired by atrium‐style Eichlers," Klopf says, "and in particular the Claude Oakland designs where he positioned the office next to the entry door that looks into the atrium."

"This 'Glass Box House' was a project of [firm partner] Geoff Campen, who did the lion's share on the project," Klopf explains. "The home's 'glass everywhere' concept was inspired by the site, by the way it drops down. We wanted it to cantilever out over the hill, so you'd feel like you were in this floating box, floating over a plain, something Geoff always wanted to do."

"There's definitely some inspiration from the Eichlers—in the beams and glass walls, and how everything is put together," chimes in Campen, who's been with Klopf Architecture since 2009. "This is bigger than a typical Eichler [at approximately 3,700 square feet], a little more luxurious, and we upgraded the finishes a bit. But it is very much taken from the Eichler playbook."

The double‐atrium concept serves an express purpose, Campen points out. "The idea was to have the atriums really penetrate into the house as much as possible, so you're able to experience the nature in every room essentially. That allows light to come into the house through the atriums in the mornings, and it's completely different at all times of day, with dramatic shadows and different types of light."

Viewing the home's virtual tour, we noted how the home's warm woods blend with the transparency of floor‐to‐ceiling glass and hand‐poured terrazzo floors. Wood and white were elements that the entire team agreed on, according to the architects; and dark aluminum window frames were a part of the renderings and the design they created.

At the rear of the property is an outdoor sanctuary that features a curated landscape, saltwater pool, fire pit, sculpture garden, and pickleball court. A hanging metal sculpture by artist D'lisa Creager and an Alexander Calder-inspired mobile complete the modernist aesthetic. A separate A‐frame‐style structure serves as an ideal study space or personal gym.

"There is no other property like this on the market in Malibu," Donovan says of the home, which also features a view of the ocean. "The masterful craftsmanship is extraordinary—from the millwork, to the hand‐poured terrazzo, to the carefully curated landscaping.

"It's perfection. It must be experienced in person to truly appreciate all that it has to offer."

For a virtual walk‐through of 'The Glass Box House' experience, click here.