For Todd Piccus, building his one-of-a-kind home in the heart of Venice Beach was the dream. But as the head of legal and business affairs at Mattel prepares to let the custom compound go, he's reflecting on the whirlwind process that went into creating one of the area's most recognizable homes.
Hedged and fenced from the street, the custom built residence is a breezy modern compound that opens to expansive outdoor space surrounding several modern structures. The grounds unfold in layers, gradually tapering and expanding to create quiet corners and intimate spaces throughout the double lot. Art pieces sourced or recreated from Piccus' experiences and travels form their own vignettes, giving each area its distinctive look and story.
Bursts of pink, orange and green peek out from the sleek corrugated metal shell of the structure. The front of the warehouse-like form was modeled after the loading dock at Bergamot Station, the late 1800s railroad station turned breezy arts center in Santa Monica. A bar located on Austin's famous Sixth Street also served as inspiration for the industrial vibe.
Above all else, Piccus coveted an original piece from Invader but getting close to the French street artist known for his pixelated mosaics, let alone getting him to agree to the private commission, proved nearly impossible.
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