Wide Open Spaces

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A clear trend toward wide-open spaces developed in San Diego Magazine’s 2002 Home of the Year competition. Winners all have a flair for the rustic or resort atmosphere. One family, homesick for the Adirondacks, built a lodge in University Heights. Another family’s fondness for Mexican Riviera resorts is reflected in their Mount Helix remodel.

This year’s judges preferred homes that made sense from a practical standpoint. Cosmetics didn’t impress them. Originality and modern-day functionality scored big in this third annual contest. Jurors included Anne Sneed, AIA, a partner in downtown’s Howard * Sneed Architecture & Design; Harold Pell, ASID, a principal of Pell Interiors in uptown (and current president of the local chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers); Michael Stepner, president of the San Diego chapter of the American Institute of Architects; and designer Arthur Porras, ASID.

Homes were judged in six categories. The entry receiving the most votes in any category was deemed Best of Show.

Best of Show: Developer/New Home

Hacienda Flair
The Spanish bungalows by developer Christopher Homes swept Best of Show honors. The project is part of the new Santaluz community in the northeast corner of San Diego. Reminiscent of older Spanish Revival bungalows in Kensington and Point Loma, the Santaluz bungalows range in size from 2,700 square feet to 3,500 square feet. But this isn’t your grandparents’ bungalow. These striking homes include options like gourmet kitchens, exercise rooms, three-car garages, master bedroom retreats, dens and teen rooms. And they’re built around a Rees Jones–designed golf course. Judges were impressed by the fact that modern touches didn’t compromise the project’s architectural heritage.

Developer/Builder: PLC Christopher Homes, Newport Beach
Architect: Bob White, Scheuer Architects, Newport Beach
Landscaping: Summers, Murphy & Partners
Model Home Designer: Saddleback Interiors
Judges’ Comments: “Great design excitement in each space.” “Just beautiful ... volumes of space are calming.”
Photographer: Eric Figge

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