Irvine Andalusian-Style Residence

Single Family Residence - 8,000 SF Andalusian Style in Irvine, CA designed by licensed architect Mustafa Bdaiwi of MBARCHAA. An elegant 8,000 square foot Andalusian-style residence positioned on a half-acre hillcrest site in Irvine, featuring strategic courtyards, basement integration, and panoramic views of the Irvine Spectrum.

Project type

Single Family Residence - 8,000 SF Andalusian Style

City

Irvine, CA

Category

Residential

Year

2024

Role

Principal Architect

Size

8,000 SF

Living space

8,000 SF with three-car garage

Design approach

U-shaped mass creating series of courtyards with clear definition between private and public spaces, utilizing Andalusian architectural principles with strategic view orientation toward Irvine Spectrum

Program

Comprehensive residence expansion designed for the owners on a hillcrest site overlooking the Irvine Spectrum. The Andalusian-style architecture was selected from Irvine Company approved styles, featuring elevated entry, basement with sun exposure, and specialized program areas including theater room, health gym, and call room for short visits.

Design features

U-shaped building mass permitting light into basement courtyard, dual-sided master bedroom views, gender segregation capability for functions, elevated entryway with grand arch housing two doors (large for distinguished guests, smaller for others), strategically spaced arches explaining circulation patterns, rational column placement indicating behavioral flows.

Public spaces

Elevated entryway with grand arch and dual door system, call room located at front of house for short visits without full house access, theater room for entertainment, series of courtyards leading visitors to all house areas, swimming pool area overlooking Irvine Spectrum views.

Private spaces

Master bedroom with views over entire house courtyards, front views, and backyard, positioned to oversee all areas. Each floor includes at least one bedroom with possible gender segregation capability for functions while maintaining reunification flexibility.

Support spaces

Three-car garage, health gym for fitness activities, basement areas with mandated sun exposure through light wells, utility areas integrated with courtyard design system.

Outdoor spaces

Series of courtyards creating circulation pathways, swimming pool positioned to maximize Irvine Spectrum overlook views, basement courtyard with natural light access, front and backyard areas with strategic view corridors.

Structure

Multi-level construction accommodating basement integration with hillcrest site conditions, engineered for Andalusian architectural elements

Systems

Theater room with specialized audiovisual requirements, health gym with appropriate mechanical systems, basement sun exposure through strategic light well design

Sustainability

Strategic building orientation maximizing natural light in basement areas, courtyard design promoting natural ventilation, view corridor optimization

Design challenges

Integrating basement with sun exposure requirements, achieving gender segregation flexibility, maximizing Spectrum views while maintaining privacy, working within Irvine Company design constraints, creating authentic Andalusian architectural expression with contemporary functionality

Services provided

• Architecture
• Planning
• Construction Document Phase

Images