In the heart of Emerald Bay, this seaside home captures the essence of this North Laguna coastline community. Blurring the lines between indoors and out, this residence embodies all that a California beach house should be — open, earthy and inviting. The house itself is clad in a cedar skin, reminiscent of a garden lattice that staggers around the many outdoor decks. Inside, French Oak floors, clapboard siding, zinc counters, and wood cabinetry add to the ambience of the home’s natural style.
The owner’s significant art collection is subtly integrated throughout, allowing for the architecture and art to inform each other, rather than exist as separate elements. The end result is a backdrop that fits perfectly with the owner’s desire to create a true beach house. Perched on a cliff overlooking two-point rock - this amazing site called for an exemplar solution to the classic California indoor-outdoor lifestyle. The development of the exterior architecture thus became intrinsically linked to the interior architecture with a connection to the ocean being fundamental to the residence.
Cascading down the hillside, the design concept played upon a series of outdoor terraces found at each level, culminated at a beach side pool. Expansive views up and down the coast afforded unique opportunities to every space. This abundance of opportunity created an internal debate on whether to unabashedly present the view, as demonstrated in the master bathroom, or to provide access to the exterior using pocketing doors and associated decks, creating a physical link to the cascading waves just beyond.
Tactically, the choice of warm woods and textured brick helped to balance the natural light and bright beachside palette, harmonizing the Wrightian influence against a more open and Californian approach. By then caring this palette from the exterior to the interior the line was blurred between indoors and out reinforcing the design approach, offering the homeowner a balance between the comfort of home and the sublime nature of the Pacific beyond.
