Alma Switch House by Brooks + Scarpa, A Modern Courtyard Haven

Date of Publishing: March 13, 2025

Architecture Design of Alma Switch House

Description About The Project

Discover Alma Switch House by Brooks + Scarpa, a three-story, light-filled residence in California that maximizes space with a central courtyard, dynamic aluminum façade, and passive cooling strategies—creating a home that is 40% more energy efficient than conventional designs.

The Project “Alma Switch House” Information:

Project Name: Alma Switch House
Location: 2821 Alma Avenue, Manhattan Beach, CA, United States
Project Year: 2025
Designed by: Brooks + Scarpa

A Compact Design for Maximum Space Utilization

Nestled on a narrow 30’ x 90’ lot, the Alma Switch House by Brooks + Scarpa redefines modern coastal living with its three-story, light-filled design. Designed for a couple with three young children, this residence is located on a hillside walk street just a few blocks from the beach.

Alma Switch House by Brooks + Scarpa, A Modern Courtyard Haven

Unlike traditional bulky, block-like structures that maximize interior space at the cost of architectural aesthetics, the Alma Switch House takes an opposite design approach. By placing a multi-functional central courtyard at the heart of the home, the architects have enhanced natural ventilation, optimized views, and broken up the massing of the structure.

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“This home is a study in spatial efficiency—leveraging a compact site while maintaining an open, airy ambiance,” the architects shared with Luxury Houses Magazine.

SEE MORE: Guaimbê House by Schuchovski Arquitetura, A Modern Sanctuary in Curitiba

The Courtyard: A Multi-Purpose Design Feature

Rather than pushing open spaces to the periphery, as seen in most homes in the area, the Alma Switch House integrates a central courtyard that serves multiple functions:

✔ Enhances natural light by allowing sunlight to penetrate deep into the home.
✔ Optimizes cross-ventilation with operable windows that capture ocean breezes.
✔ Creates a social hub where children can play while parents supervise from adjacent rooms.
✔ Provides visual connectivity, making the home feel more expansive than its physical footprint.

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“The courtyard isn’t just an aesthetic feature; it’s a core part of the living experience,” the design team emphasized.
SEE MORE: House at California Layout by architecture+Swath, A Harmonious Blend of Elegance and Modernity

A Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living Experience

From the central entry courtyard, visitors get a glimpse of the entire home’s spatial connection—from the small front garden to the expansive upper living spaces.

✔ Sliding glass doors enhance fluid movement, allowing guests to circulate effortlessly between indoor and outdoor spaces.
✔ The open-plan layout encourages social interactions, making it an ideal home for hosting.
✔ Upper-level balconies frame stunning sunset and ocean views, taking full advantage of the home’s prime location.

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“Our goal was to create a home that celebrates openness—blurring the lines between interior and exterior spaces,” the architects noted.

Sustainable Strategies: 40% More Energy Efficient

Sustainability is a key component of the Alma Switch House, with passive design elements ensuring energy efficiency without compromising aesthetics.

✔ Anodized aluminum screen wall on the east side provides privacy while reducing heat gain.
✔ Strategic glazing placement minimizes artificial lighting needs by maximizing daylight exposure.
✔ Cross-ventilation design naturally cools the home, reducing reliance on air conditioning.
✔ High-performance materials enhance insulation and improve thermal efficiency.

Alma Switch House by Brooks Scarpa A Modern Courtyard Haven 1

These eco-conscious design strategies make the Alma Switch House 40% more energy efficient than a conventionally designed structure under California’s Title 24 energy standards.

“By leveraging passive cooling and smart material choices, we’ve created a home that is as energy-efficient as it is beautiful,” the architects explained.

SEE MORE: DAC House by Gilda Meirelles Arquitetura, A Harmonious Integration with Nature

An Ever-Changing Façade: The Dynamic Aluminum Screen

One of the home’s most striking features is its custom anodized aluminum screen wall. Located on the east-facing side, this architectural element provides:

✔ Privacy from the street while maintaining visual permeability.
✔ A constantly shifting façade, as sunlight interacts with the metallic surface.
✔ Dramatic shadow play, creating a dynamic, ever-evolving aesthetic throughout the day.

“At different times of the day, the house transforms—sometimes shimmering silver, sometimes casting intricate shadows. It’s a façade that moves with the light,” the designers shared.

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Conclusion: A Masterclass in Urban Residential Design

The Alma Switch House by Brooks + Scarpa is a testament to architectural innovation, sustainability, and efficient use of space. By rethinking conventional design norms, the home successfully:

✔ Optimizes natural ventilation and light through a central courtyard.
✔ Blends indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly for a fluid living experience.
✔ Utilizes passive cooling strategies to enhance energy efficiency.
✔ Incorporates a visually dynamic façade, creating an ever-changing architectural expression.

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“This project showcases how smart design can transform even the most compact sites into expansive, light-filled sanctuaries,” the architects concluded.

SEE MORE: SIRI House by Gla Design Studio, A Harmonious Life Gallery

Photo credit: | Source: Brooks + Scarpa

For more information about this project; please contact the Architecture firm :
– Add: 3929 W. 139th Street, Hawthorne, CA, United States, California
– Tel: +1 323-596-4700
– Email: info@brooksscarpa.com