Space of Personal Refuge

34th House

The Pacific Ocean just blocks away, is at once enticing and engulfing in its stunning expanse. The endless length of sandy beach that stretches the coastline from Venice to Redondo is the gathering place for sunbathers, surfers and volleyball players alike. The Strand, the pedestrian thoroughfare collects rollerbladers, dog walkers, bikers, runners, moms with strollers and everyone else. In this narrow slot of a site, we set out to allow the inhabitants to be able to access all this energy that is the magic of Manhattan/Hermosa Beach and yet create a peaceful refuge that offers privacy , respite and interconnectedness within the house.

In order to maximize views, the massing of the house was divided in two and forced to either property line which resulted in an internal courtyard that vertically unifies different functional elements within the house. The openness throughout extends connection across the courtyard and creates a feeling of spaciousness. Living areas can vary their openness depending on the level of privacy desired. The roof deck opens to the California sky and brings the ocean to the living room without sand between the toes.

new residence

Hermosa Beach California

contractor: Mike Clelland