kyle bruce PROFESSIONAL WORK 2000-2011
KYLE BRUCE
Refugio Residence LOCATION: SANTA YNEZ, CA DATE: 2011 Work done while at Blackbird Architects
Located on 15 acres in the heart of Santa Ynez Valley, this modern horse ranch combines rustic luxury with sustainable and passive house design. Taking cues from the traditional area ranches, deep long overhangs form wrap-around porches to provide generous shaded outdoor areas. The central living space, referred to as “the barn,� is covered by a large butterfly roof to collect rainwater in underground cisterns for irrigation. The site masterplanning includes a vineyard, orchard, pond, and accommodates horses, goats, pigs, rabbits, and chickens.
REFUGIO RESIDENCE
KYLE BRUCE
REFUGIO RESIDENCE
KYLE BRUCE
George F. Canyon
Nature Center LOCATION: ROLLING HILLS ESTATES, CA DATE: 2010 (AWAITS FUNDING) Work done while at Blackbird Architects in collaboration with Van Atta Associates
Located at what is considered the “Gateway to the Palos Verdes Peninsula”, the George F Canyon Nature Center offers an in-depth exhibit, and interpretive experience for visitors to the canyon. This project proposed a new, improved nature center to replace the existing facility, which is currently housed in an outdated, 1940’s real estate office. The concept was to let the canyon landscape flow through the axis of nature center pavilions. Other features include an on site native wetland, outdoor nature lab, and an amphitheater.
GEORGE F. CANYON NATURE CENTER
existing site
KYLE BRUCE
Country Cottage LOCATION: MONTECITO, CA NEW CONSTRUCTION: 1,200 SQ.FT. DATE: 2010
Work done while at Blackbird Architects
Located on a mountainside with breathtaking views of the Channel Islands, this 1,200 sq.ft. cottage was never meant to be. While a new main residence was under design, wildfires swept through the region without warning, completely destroying the clients’ one bdrm home. This is the reincarnation of the home that stood in the same location before the fires. Composed of rustic, and inherently fire resistive materials, the cottage was inspired by the rugged landscape and by the chalets of the French Alps where the clients spend part of the year. Like a boat, it maximizes space with thick storage walls and a simple floor plan.
COUNTRY COTTAGE
KYLE BRUCE
COUNTRY COTTAGE
KYLE BRUCE
UC Santa Barbara
Harder Stadium Renovations LOCATION: GOLETA, CA DATE: 2010 Work done while at Blackbird Architects
The revitalization of college soccer’s largest venue involved the complex design and coordination of parallel, overlapping projects and infrastructure. A new facility entry plaza, gate, concessions area, pressbox and 62′ tall scoreboard were designed and realized under tight budget and schedule constraints, with all improvements completed in time for the 2010 Men’s College Cup. The new plaza creates a new Home and Host to National Champions Fans rally before games and celebrate after victories at the Harder Plaza / Entry.
UCSB HARDER STADIUM RENOVATIONS
KYLE BRUCE
UC Santa Barbara
Gaucho Park Baseball Venue LOCATION: GOLETA, CA DATE: 2010 Work done while at Blackbird Architects
As part of the campus athletic master plan, a concept to reorganize and consolidate the baseball and softball fields together and share a new entry gate and plaza was developed. The proposed scheme has sunken fields that can be viewed from stadium seating or from the entry axis, which provides areas for picnics, and casual viewing. The combined baseball/softball complex also provides a unique, and convenient venue for baseball summer camps.
UCSB GAUCHO PARK BASEBALL VENUE
KYLE BRUCE
Westmont College
Winter Hall for Science and Mathematics LOCATION: MONTECITO, CA NEW CONSTRUCTION: 44,000 SQ.FT. DATE: 2010 LEED GOLD Work done while at Blackbird Architects in collaboration with David Van Hoy, Architect Architect of Record: Pfeiffer Partners
This 44,000 square foot facility houses the departments of physics, mathematics & computer science, and psychology, as well as general education and lecture spaces. The building is organized by access to light and view as opposed to segregating each department. Each discpline’s learning lounges organize faculty offices and seminar rooms around open student learning areas with direct connections to outdoor plazas and gardens. A central atrium serves as the activity hub and point of circulation and social interaction while bringing natural light to all levels of the building interior including the full basement.
WESTMONT COLLEGE WINTER HALL FOR SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS
KYLE BRUCE
WESTMONT COLLEGE WINTER HALL FOR SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS
KYLE BRUCE
Westmont College
This facility houses the Westmont College art department, fine arts studios, museum, and general education and lecture spaces. The building was designed to fit into the sloping site between existing structures and minimize perceived building mass.
LOCATION: MONTECITO, CA DATE: 2010 LEED GOLD
Indoor and outdoor work areas are linked by large glazed hangar doors in each classroom and art studio. Green roof terraces add vibrant outdoor gathering spaces while connecting existing circulation routes. Natural daylight and ventilation enhance the quality of the interior spaces for the production and display of the arts.
Adams Center for the Visual Arts
Work done while at Blackbird Architects in collaboration with David Van Hoy, Architect Architect of Record: Pfeiffer Partners
WESTMONT COLLEGE ADAMS CENTER FOR THE VISUAL ARTS
KYLE BRUCE
Westmont College
Observatory LOCATION: MONTECITO, CA DATE: 2010 Work done while at Blackbird Architects in collaboration with David Van Hoy, Architect Architect of Record: Pfeiffer Partners Photos: Brad Elliot / Westmont College
The 1,500 square foot observatory houses the largest refracting telescope between Los Angeles and San Francisco. The building is designed to accommodate nighttime community stargazing gatherings as well as astronomy classes and workstations. Celestial references as well as physics and astronomical imagery informed the curving forms in the design of the building and surrounding landscape.
WESTMONT COLLEGE OBSERVATORY
KYLE BRUCE
MTD Santa Barbara
Transit Superstop LOCATION: SANTA BARBARA, CA DATE: 2010
Work done while at Blackbird Architects
Located in the historic dowtown core of Santa Barbara, the transit authority, MTD Santa Barbara, was looking to improve and upgrade their bus shelters. Three locations were chosen as part of the “Superstop� pilot program. A Superstop is a bus shelter with real-time passenger information and is a a refined piece of street furniture as well as a highly visible identity building element for MTD. Materials are durable and appropriate to the context while presenting a forward looking, cosmopolitan image of the MTD
TRANSIT SUPERSTOP
KYLE BRUCE
The Avalon Live/Work LOCATION: VENTURA, CA DATE: 2008 STATUS: AWAITS PLANNING APPROVAL Work done while at Blackbird Architects
Located on slightly more than a one-acre site in a developing light industrial area on the westside of Ventura, this project proposes a mix of 53 live/ work townhomes and 3,000 square feet of commercial space arranged around a central landscaped courtyard. The character and palette of the proposed project infuses a mix of the area’s light industrial history along with the low slope roofs and exposed rafters seen on nearby historic craftsman beach bungalows. Parking is handled underground, and out of sight.
THE AVALON LIVE / WORK
KYLE BRUCE
Ice In Paradise Skating Rink LOCATION: GOLETA, CA NEW CONSTRUCTION: 45,000 SQ.FT. DATE: 2007 STATUS: IN FUNDRAISING Work done while at Blackbird Architects in collaboration with David Van Hoy, Architect
This 45,000 s.f. facility design extends the existing Girsh Park and overall athletic fields masterplan. The building contains a regulation size hockey rink with adjacent junior rink, lockers, cafĂŠ, clubroom, game area, offices, etc. The design incorporates warm and cold areas allowing re-use of waste heat generated by air conditioning and ice-making. The north-facing sawtooth roof and bowstring trusses allow full daylighting with no direct solar exposure to the ice. Sustainable design incorporates photovoltaic panel, planted roofs, rainwater collection for park irrigation, and green building materials.
ICE IN PARADISE ICE RINK
KYLE BRUCE
Ventura Ave. Live/Work LOCATION: VENTURA, CA DATE: 2007 STATUS: AWAITS PLANNING APPROVAL Work done while at Blackbird Architects in collaboration with David Van Hoy, Architect
Located on a six-acre site on the Westside area of Ventura, this project proposes a mix of 105 homes and 9,000 square feet of commercial space organized into six neighborhood blocks that complement and strengthen the existing Westside street patterns. The character of the mixed use areas of the proposed project draws upon the area’s light industrial history through building massing, materials and detailing. Abundant landscaping in, on, and around buildings create a garden district identity.
VENTURA AVE. LIVE/WORK
KYLE BRUCE
VENTURA AVE. LIVE/WORK
KYLE BRUCE
Santa Barbara City College
Stadium Press Box LOCATION: SANTA BARBARA, CA DATE: 2004 (UN-BUILT)
Located on one of the most visible points on the Santa Barbara City College campus, La Playa Stadium is an unmatched place on southern California coast. The Pressbox and Classrooms will view, and be viewed from the ocean, the beach, the harbor, Shoreline Drive, and of course the stadium.
Work done while at Blackbird Architects While recent new structures at the top of the stadium form a gateway from the campus, the proposed press box is literally an extension of the stadium, and provides a missing visual and formal culmination to this prominent, gorgeous, and simple space.
STADIUM PRESS BOX
KYLE BRUCE
TOMORROW’S BUS SHELTER
MTD Santa Barbara
Bus Shelters LOCATION: SANTA BARBARA, CA DATE: 2002 (UN-BUILT) Urban designers & architects for new bus shelters along a major transit corridor stretching across several cities in Santa Barbara County. These transit stops were seen as a bus shelter that not only meets the need to be a place for waiting for the bus, but a point where one can access a variety of urban amenities and desired information. The “California Poppy” inspired theme, created a new branding and identity opportunity for MTD Santa Barbara. Work done while at Blackbird Architects
KYLE BRUCE
TOMORROW’S BUS SHELTER
KYLE BRUCE
Innovations in Community Design and Housing Competition LOCATION: LONG BEACH, CA DATE: 2003 Competition finalists for innovative, affordable housing & site master planning for a redeveloping area of Long Beach along the Blue-Line. The design proposed an urbane alternative to gridlock & smog - with greenways & townhomes with convertable garages allowing owners to add additional units over time.
Work done while at Blackbird Architects in collaboration with Behnisch Architects
INNOVATIONS IN COMMUNITY AND HOUSING DESIGN COMPETITION
KYLE BRUCE
INNOVATIONS IN COMMUNITY AND HOUSING DESIGN COMPETITION
KYLE BRUCE
Cooper Residence LOCATION: MONTECITO, CA NEW CONSTRUCTION: 3,575 SQ.FT. DATE: 2009
Located on nearly 4 acres of mountainside property, this parcel sits above Santa Barbara, and offers breathtaking views of the Channel Islands, and the Pacific coast. While in design, a huge wildfire swept through the region without warning, completely destroying the clients’ one bdrm home, which was adjacent to this site. This caused an interruption in the process, and attention was shifted to rebuilding the “Country Cottage”.
Work done while at Blackbird Architects The main residence, is approx. 3,500. In addition to the 3 bdrm’s, there is an art studio, cabana, pool, living/dining/kitchen, and a and music room. Situated on a meadow, the house pushes back into the
hillside, and allows the landscape and terrain to flow over portions of the building that transition into planted roofs. Composed of rustic, and inherently fire resistive materials, the residence was inspired by the rugged landscape and by the chalets of the French Alps where the clients spend part of the year. The broken up massing was intended to give a sense of a small country village built over time, which again is reminiscent of the french mountain, and countryside that remind the client’s of their summers in France.
COOPER RESIDENCE
KYLE BRUCE
COOPER RESIDENCE
living room study model
KYLE BRUCE
North K St.
Family Housing & Child Care Center LOCATION: LOMPOC, CA DATE: 2004 COMPLETED Work done while at Blackbird Architects
This 4-unit development provides needed housing and infant care to low-income families. Three 3-brdm, 2-storey townhouses, one accessible unit, and a licensed infant care center serving families on-site are arranged around a central outdoor open space and internal walk street. Natural light and fresh air at each residence along with connections to usable public and private outdoor space were key design components. Vibrant building colors, generous exterior amenities and lush landscaping reflect the vitality of the inhabitants and contribute to revitalization of the neighborhood.
NORTH K ST. FAMILY HOUSING AND CHILD CARE CENTER
KYLE BRUCE
Fegan Residence LOCATION: BEVERLY HILLS, CA DATE: 2007 Van Atta Associates in collaboration with Blackbird Architects
Located in the Trousdale Estates section of Beverly Hills, this south facing property has fantastic views overlooking the L.A. basin, but also gets intense, direct sunlight all day long. The owner wanted a space that would provide relief from the heat, but not diminish the view, and accommodate entertaining guests.
The proposed improvements included reshaping the current swimming pool, adding a spa, softening the hardscape with planted joints and planters, creating an outdoor dining room with firepit, along with several fountains.
KYLE BRUCE
Central Lutheran Church
Columbarium LOCATION: EUGENE, OR DATE: 2001 (COMPLETED)
Work done while at Rowell Architecture
The columbarium is designed to be a outdoor sacred space clearly connected to the sanctuary. Funeral processions exit the narthex and proceed along the front of the church. Stone pavers set in the lawn lead the procession to the columbarium, located in a three- sided courtyard facing Potter Street. The street face is planted with shrubs and trees and is set back from the building face to retain the prominence of the sanctuary. Approached along its south edge through an iron gate, the columbarium is an intimate garden room formed by a series of columbarium vaults, a fountain and an ossuary. The ground plane is sunken slightly to emphasize the space and to limit the impact of the vaults on the surrounding rooms. The person-scaled vaults constructed of sandstone blocks and bronze shutters emerge from the ground to define an open garden wall. A wood trellis rises above the vaults to further define the garden space. The openness of the perimeter retains access to daylight in the surrounding classrooms and offices but screens the less desirable views of the roof and adjacent buildings. The center of the room is left open to accommodate ceremonies or memorial services. Undulating planting beds penetrate the space to provide places to sit at the perimeter and to soften the edges. An ornamental tree marks the ossuary and anchors the inner corner of the space. A low stone wall displays the names of those interred in the ossuary. On top of this wall, water flows from the tree to a basin next to the entry bringing sound and movement to the garden.