The Chen & Dolbinski Residence

Jeanne Chen and Bob Dolbinski, architects at Moore Ruble Yudell Architects & Planners, built their house on a steep lot in the Rustic Canyon neighborhood of Pacific Palisades, in Southern California. Only the top level of the three-story home is visible from the street.

A floating white-oak staircase with stainless steel cables connects the home’s three levels, and exposed joists maximize ceiling height. The carport, as the only large flat space on the 45° site, serves double duty as outdoor dining area and deck.