DEX Studio Completes First Modern Home in Newport Beach, CA

Led by principal Glen Bell, DEX, a small design firm based in Venice, CA worked with Vasquez to determine the most important characteristics for his new home.  Because Vasquez comes from a close-knit family of restaurateurs, DEX wanted to create a unique environment suitable to entertaining large groups of people both indoors and outdoors.  To organize the space, Bell devised a central courtyard that separates public and private zones, filters natural light throughout the interior, and cools the surrounding rooms.  The year-and-a-half long project, which showcases DEX’s signature hand-crafted, modern aesthetic, has set the bar for modern coastal homes.

Since the house is one of the few modern buildings in the neighborhood, DEX mixed its dramatic features with softer touches to maintain a sense of community. The façade is composed of palm green Hardie Plank siding and a butterfly roof offset by a delicate white plaster wall that conceals the main entry.  The façade’s strong geometric lines and use of color are balanced by subtle landscaping that includes drought-resistant landscaping, a koi pond, and a custom-designed water feature that channels water through linear slots.  DEX strategically incorporated warmer materials, such as wood in unexpected areas like the underside of the roof, and decking, found around the pond.  Theses elements give the home a modern presence without making it feel cold or unapproachable alongside the neighborhood’s more traditional homes.

Inside the home, the courtyard works to unite the interior and exterior spaces.  On the first floor, the kitchen, dining area, media room, game room, and office create a U-shape that opens to the outdoor space.  One story up, the master suite, a series of three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a roof garden navigate around the courtyard to take advantage of the view and cool breezes.  Both stories feature a large expanse of floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding doors that face the courtyard.  DEX meticulously designed the spans of windows and doors to align with each other forming a geometric grid of glass and steel.

The courtyard is ideal for entertaining Vasquez’s family, as it features a pool, spa, firepit, built-in benches, barbeque area, and bar.  Following DEX’s aesthetic, the Studio added garden spaces outside the sliding doors and on a visible 1st story roof deck, a custom-designed cement-block wall that acts as the backdrop to a series of screening plants, and a sunscreen made of twisted white and chocolate vinyl strap.

The courtyard bar’s connects to the elevated, eat-in kitchen through a series of counter-height sliding windows, allowing guests sitting at the outdoor bar to remain physically connected with those inside.  The arrangement works well for anyone cooking because they are not separated from the outside activities.  The kitchen features commercial-grade appliances, Caeserstone and stainless steel countertops, glossy white cabinetry, and end- grain bamboo flooring.  This combination of materials makes the kitchen feels both sleek and inviting. 

Opposite the U-shaped kitchen is the dining area and its focal point—an expansive fireplace.  To anchor the space, DEX designed a fireplace that provides a transition space between the entry and media room.  Stacked brick floats over a long polished concrete hearth that stores firewood, leading into the media room that contains elaborate dark walnut millwork. The arrangement of shelves and cabinets showcase Vasquez’s collectables and discreetly hide all media components. 

Beyond the variety of visible design elements, DEX also sought to minimize the home’s footprint by designing the to be energy efficient.  Since the lot receives strong Southern sun, Bell designed a variety of passive cooling techniques to reduce the home’s mechanical cooling needs.  To keep sunlight from overheating the home during the day, Bell developed a series of overhangs and sunscreens to prevent solar heat gain.  DEX also designed two roof gardens and a thoughtfully landscaped front yard with low-water consumption plants in place of a standard roof system and water-hungry grass lawn.  Inside the home DEX created natural ventilation systems to utilize the coastal breezes that sweep through the neighborhood.  Above the double height staircase there is an electronically operated skylight that releases hot air when open, creating an immediate cooling effect.  Beyond passive cooling techniques, the site is also ready for solar panel installation, which will serve to make the home even more energy efficient.

With their first Orange County home complete, DEX continues to set the standard for warm, modern spaces that combine thoughtful design with coastal living.