Lofty Heights

The retired owners of this Montecito, Calif., home wanted a loft-like gallery to showcase their extensive contemporary art collection. For architect Robin Donaldson, loft meant tall volumes with exposed rafters. Open-web, commercial steel trusses topped with corrugated metal decking fit the desired industrial look and also allowed Donaldson to create a long, open span without load-bearing walls or columns. All this, he says, for a lower pricetag and a stronger roof than produced with most standard residential variations. Framing ocean views and capturing the best sun, the shed roof peaks at 14 feet on the gallery side then slopes down to 10 feet above more intimate gathering spots. A smooth plaster ceiling floats below the trusses along the center section of the long floor plan, so “you can be sitting or eating and look up to see a conventional material that conveys a more home-like effect,” explains Donaldson. Skylights with white laminate glass prevent damaging UV rays from coming through and they bestow even, diffused light along the gallery passage. Exterior sunshade louvers along the opposite exterior wall sit just above a row of clerestory windows to temper incoming light for the same soft effect. Builder: Paul Franz Building & Construction, Santa Barbara, Calif.; Architect: Shubin & Donaldson Architects, Culver City, Calif.; Photographer: Tom Bonner. Resources: Steel trusses: Valcraft, Circle 199.