Architecture

The Ilan-Lael Center, Santa Ysabel

Nestled within the hills of Santa Ysabel, California, a circular series of buildings, the Ilan-Lael Center, has been built by Hubbell & Hubbell Architects. Housing the Ilan-Lael Foundation, the center provides a space for people from all walks of life to find common ground through the arts. Through workshops and retreats, the heart of the center is rooted in the appreciation for nature supporting its life, as well our own.

These structures feature the firm’s ability to make resilient designs come to life, utilizing low-impact materials such as insulating concrete forms, a recycled foam, and natural plasters. Distinguished by the property’s characteristically fluid roofs, the design heavily focuses on the sun and wind patterns while embracing a central courtyard, encouraging interaction. The three structures, consisting of an office, a gathering room, and an archive, revolve around the focal point, a mosaic adorning a bronze plate scripted with James’ mantra, “Trust Life.” The 2019 completion was celebrated with the final addition of the “Jewel Box,” a beautifully intricate greenhouse and thinking space, embellished with local stones flanked by stained glass doors, located between two structures. Hubbell & Hubbell has provided, once again, a space to create and pursue positive change.

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