A 5,000 square foot, three-level beach residence on a sloped 30’x99’ lot with pedestrian street along Northern exposure. The four bedroom/three and one-half bathroom home is intended as a family retreat.

The client’s commission for this beach-front home came with a significant challenge: to create a retreat with the ease and graciousness of a resort hotel, within the modest confines of a 30’x99’ lot. In addition, the client requested a seamless connection between interior spaces and generous outdoor terraces, which would optimize the breathtaking views of mountains to the north, a pier to the south and the ocean dead ahead. The resulting solution integrates Asian design influences with contemporary detailing and nautical ideas of space management.

Entry is gained through a water-court with stone stepping pads "floating” over a koi pool. The sound of water emanating from a small window set in the exterior wall provides the first subtle invitation of refuge from the city. A light-filled stairwell features an open stair of sculpted wood, bronze and glass. At the landing between stair runs, a ceremonial window addresses a classic view of the coast. Pocketing glass doors and louvered shutters at each major door opening provide the correct response to varying light and weather conditions.

A warm palette of materials including zinc roofing, fossilized shell-stone, plantation-grown mahogany, mosaic-glass tile, and marine-grade bronze combine to achieve the craftsmanship of the shipwright with the solidity of the stonemason.