That inside-is-outside and vice-versa nature is demonstrated in the living room, whose large doors slide open to embrace the pool area and the trees around it. The contractor, Paul Sorenson of Eames Construction, tells Gregory that the key to keeping construction costs in check is that the "structural system is the finished system." For example, the concrete that makes up the foundation slab is also the floor. “The idea was to make the design as natural as possible, without any waste so that the ornament comes from the structure itself," says Lee.

Since this is an open plan home, the kitchen is visible from the living and dining room. In order to screen the prep area, Lee designed two-tiered island that hides the business end of the room when he drew the plans.