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Coastal Modernism: California’s New Class of Single-Family Homes
CategoriesArchitecture

Coastal Modernism: California’s New Class of Single-Family Homes

By Zarkon Group,

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California’s residential architecture represents a long history of experimentation and testing new ideas. As the demand for sustainable, innovative and beautiful residences continues to grow, architects and designers are redefining the concept of modern living in the Golden State. Now, there’s a wave of single-family homes built around the idea of Coastal Modernism, reinterpreting the past while building for today. This class of residences goes beyond the conventional, blending form and function to create living spaces that resonate with the demands of modern life.

Drawing inspiration from California’s unique topography, climate and culture, architects are embracing design approaches that harmonize with the natural surroundings. Whether perched on the picturesque hills of Northern California or nestled in the vibrant urban centers of SoCal, these homes are made to engage with their environment in a balance of aesthetics and practicality. From diverse design principles and layouts to environmentally conscious construction methods, discover the architectural landscape of California’s latest residential projects.

Suspension House

By Fougeron Architecture, California

Jury Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Renovations + Additions


Perched between two Californian hills with a creek and waterfall in the backyard, this remodel aimed to seamlessly integrate the structure into the environment within strict legal guidelines. The new home maintains the exact outline of the existing house and decks, anchoring itself to the bedrock instead of disturbing the creek below. Transparent materials, floor-to-ceiling windows and open-concept outdoor spaces offer unobstructed views of natural water features.

Retaining 50% of the existing wood structure, a steel frame supports the home, exposed on all floors. The third floor rotates for better site relation, breaking up the mass and creating a dynamic, light-filled space. The Suspension House achieves a delicate balance between modern architecture and its natural surroundings.

Mar Vista

By WOODS + DANGARAN, Los Angeles, California

Jury Winner, 9th Annual A+Awards, Residential Interiors (>3000 sq ft)

Perched on a downsloped lot, this 6,000 square-foot house maximizes views with strategic placement of the entry and master suite. The L-shaped footprint incorporates an in-ground pool. The street view features a grounded elevation with a privacy wall, floating second floor, and cedar louvers for visual interest.

The entry sequence includes a courtyard with a gingko tree. The main level boasts a modern palette of metal, polished concrete, and glass, emphasizing indoor-outdoor living. The sculptural stair leads to warmer personal spaces on the second level, with custom furnishings that help to soften the architecture.

California Meadow House

By Olson Kundig, Woodside, California

Designed by Jim Olson, this family estate seamlessly integrates architecture, interior design, art and landscape into a unified whole. The central “home base” living area serves as the core, with views extending in four directions across reflecting pools, gardens, and the Santa Cruz Mountains. The estate includes auxiliary buildings and outdoor living areas, made to blend into its verdant surroundings. The 3.5-acre site is divided into two interconnected parts, with cultivated areas featuring old-growth olive trees, a vineyard, and a succulent garden.

The “wild” half includes private spaces like the master suite and children’s bedrooms, with fluidity between inside and outside. Retracting window walls and trellises maximize outdoor living and natural ventilation. The earthy exterior palette continues inside, integrating with custom furniture and an international contemporary art collection. The home, designed for energy efficiency, incorporates solar panels, geothermal and hydronic systems, achieving a practical integration with nature.

Carmel Valley Residence

By Piechota Architecture, Healdsburg, California


Nestled in Carmel Valley’s Santa Lucia Preserve, the residence aptly was named after the surrounding area. It embraces an L-shaped plan, naturally integrating into the landscape. Located in a sunny clearing, the home features concrete, weathered steel, and cedar, mirroring the hues of the hills. Custom floor-to-ceiling glass offers breathtaking views of rolling hills, wildlife, and the valley.

The program divides between two structures forming the “L,” connected by an enclosed second-story bridge. This layout separates living spaces from suites, maximizing outdoor living. The house, oriented for views, follows the forest perimeter, with expansive windows framing oak trees as natural elements of focus.

Off-Grid Guest House

By ANACAPA, Santa Barbara, California


Situated on a pristine coastal wildlife preserve in California, this modern guest house achieves a harmonious blend of residential development and ecological preservation. Tucked into a hillside with minimal visual impact, the home offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and hills through expansive sliding glass and cantilevered decks. Architect Dan Weber and designer Steve Willson prioritized environmental sensitivity, employing green building practices and sustainable systems.

The off-grid residence relies on a photovoltaic energy system, LED lighting, and low-usage appliances. With a private well, septic tank, and green roof for insulation, the house integrates seamlessly with its surroundings. Elemental materials like steel, concrete and glass, complemented by walnut accents, create a warm and characteristic space.

Lattice House

By Aidlin Darling Design, Belvedere, California


This coastal home, perched on a precipice, offers breathtaking views from San Francisco to Mount Tamalpais. Nestled amid live oak trees and Monterey pines, it maintains intimacy. Inspired by terraced landscapes, its design responds to the steep terrain, protecting occupants from the elements. Earth-toned concrete and stone walls retain the hillside, shaping living spaces.

Shifting floor plates and roof planes maximize solar exposure, creating sheltered gardens. Cedar slats filter sunlight into open-air terraces, enhancing the indoor-outdoor experience. The architecture is both grounded and dynamic, providing a sense of protection and comfort amid stunning views.

RidgeView House

By Zack | de Vito Architecture + Construction, Saint Helena, California

Nestled amongst the natural rock outcroppings, and native Oak and Manzanita trees, the RidgeView House sits atop the western edge of the Vaca Range overlooking St. Helena and the Napa Valley. Perched on a ridge, it offers valley views to the west and forest views to the east. Every room utilizes doors, windows and materials to integrate inside and outside spaces, maximizing views and bathing the interior in natural light.

The structure’s exposed interior materials contrast elegance and strength, while the exterior features a natural palette of materials – concrete, corten and cedar – allowed to patina and blend into the California flora. Expressive details showcase the materials and craft, reflecting the successful creative partnership of the owner, architect and builder.

C-Glass House

By deegan day design, Marin County, California

The C-Glass House, a 2,100 square foot retreat in northern California, stands on a wind-swept site with a panoramic view of Tomales Bay and the open ocean. Designed with inspiration from Philip Johnson’s Glass House and Mies van der Rohe’s Farnsworth House, it also draws from California legacies like Elwood and Koenig. Unlike earlier ‘vitrines in a garden,’ this glass house on the west coast prioritizes its environment, using framing, cantilever, and directional enclosure to capture the beauty of the surroundings.

The residence navigates between the precision of high modern glass houses and the Case Study generation. While influenced by architectural lineage, the C-Glass House is equally indebted to artists like Larry Bell and Dan Graham, incorporating reflective and refractive elements. It bridges these influences to open up to a panoramic vista, reflecting on architecture’s evolving role in the American landscape.

Camp Baird

By Malcolm Davis Architecture, Healdsburg, California


In search of a weekend escape, the owners of this compound sought a retreat from their central urban house. The design was made in consideration of both the client’s active children and a steep slope. Rehiring architect Malcolm Davis, who designed their primary residence, they envisioned a rural counterpoint to their urban dwelling. The goal was to create a camp-like structure focused on the outdoors, inspired by images of tents on a deck and a possible prefabricated structure.

Davis, drawing on his Northern California Regionalist background, embraced the concept defined by Louis Mumford as “a native and humane form of modernism.” Camp Baird, located on 165 acres in a coastal valley, is completely off the grid. Comprising two structures — an L-shaped main pool house and a car barn — it offers multi-functional spaces for various activities amid the natural surroundings.

House Set on the Valley Floor

By ATELIER JØRGENSEN, Napa County, California


Nestled within vineyards near the town center, this house features two interconnected structures protected by ‘L’ shaped walls, one stone and one cedar, shielding them from a busy road. Courtyards and terraces emerge behind these walls, forming individual gardens that seamlessly blend with the landscape. Slender pathways connect gardens, courtyards and interior spaces, respecting the surrounding environment. The entrance garden, resembling a porch-like atrium, leads to a solid redwood door crafted from a tree on the site.

The foyer connects the main walls, with a cedar gateway to guest rooms and a stone portal to the family art collection and main house. Expansive eaves offer year-round outdoor enjoyment and shield from the summer sun, while the house’s envelope balances privacy with large openings to the landscape, reflecting its rural setting.

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Amphibious Architecture: Designing Resilient Coastal Communities for the Future
CategoriesArchitecture

Amphibious Architecture: Designing Resilient Coastal Communities for the Future

By Zarkon Group,

Architizer’s 12th Annual A+Awards are officially underway! Sign up for key program updates and prepare your submission ahead of the Main Entry Deadline on  December 15th.  

As climate change unfolds, bringing about rising sea levels, increased occurrences of flooding and a surge in climatic events, the concept of living in a floating home — or houseboat — could potentially emerge as a pragmatic and innovative solution to face the environmental challenges associated with coastal living. Opting for a floating home is not just a practical choice but a visionary one. It signifies a departure from the vulnerabilities associated with traditional coastal housing and an embrace of a lifestyle that aligns with the dynamic and ever-changing character of coastal ecosystems. It is a bold step towards a future where adaptability and ingenuity are at the forefront of our response to the challenges posed by climate change along our coastlines.

Sustainably designed buildings that float on water could positively influence the preservation of at-risk waterside communities at a point where the evolution of coastal development stands at a critical juncture. This evolution demands a transformative shift to confront the adverse consequences of climate change, and the traditional paradigms governing coastal areas must undergo a profound reevaluation that calls for a departure from conventional practices. There is an imperative need for sustainable and adaptive approaches characterized by resilient infrastructure, eco-friendly design principles, and a profound understanding of the delicate balance between human settlements and the dynamic coastal environment.

Hope Floats: Embracing a Wetter Future

Floating Office Rotterdam

Floating Office Rotterdam by Powerhouse Company. Rotterdam, Netherlands. | Photo by Mark Seelen.

Coastal land areas have long endured the consequences of unchecked development. However, looking at the positive aspects amid the challenges of coastal development, there lies a realm of possibilities for innovative design solutions that address the complexities of proximity to water. Coastal development opens avenues beyond the construction of nature-based or man-made flood protection infrastructure, emphasizing adaptability and a symbiotic relationship with the dynamic forces of nature.

Within the realms of design and urban planning, attention turns to floating houses and amphibious architecture — some to float permanently, others built on special foundations allowing them to rest on solid ground or float when necessary. These creative solutions aim to mitigate environmental impacts and incorporate resilient design strategies in harmony with natural surroundings. Floating homes can integrate green infrastructure, sustainable building materials, and innovative water management systems, contributing to a reduced environmental footprint. This aligns with a broader ethos of harmonizing human habitation with nature, forging a symbiotic relationship between dwellings and the surrounding aquatic ecosystems. Ultimately, these solutions could make existing communities more resilient and allow them to keep living in the places they are closely connected to.

Tides of Change: The Integration of Floating Houses in Urban Spaces

Waterwoningen

Waterwoningen by Architectenbureau Marlies Rohmer. Amsterdam, Netherlands | Photo by Marcel van der Burg.

Waterwoningen

Waterwoningen. Site plan.

Floating houses are integral to an urban design ethos. Financially categorized as immovable properties, they rival traditional land-based housing in both interior volume and comfort. The appeal of waterfront living lies in its practical response to climate considerations and its role in reshaping urban development paradigms. Additionally, there’s an aesthetic dimension, as living on the water fosters a sense of liberty and closeness to nature. This not only addresses environmental challenges but also contributes to the reinvigoration of urban areas and the sustainable utilization of available space.

Waterbuurt-est, within Amsterdam’s IJburg development, features a density akin to the central Jordaan district, with around 100 homes per hectare. The Netherlands has a history of living close to water. That means living on land protected by dykes, on mounds, ashore, or floating. Only recently have floating homes been eligible as a significant solution to Holland’s modern housing needs. The design challenge was highlighting water as a distinctive feature. Floating houses on jetties and the Quay building on a water-protruding platform solved this, providing an acoustic barrier and parking, considering the ban on vehicles on jetties. Jetties accommodate four to twenty-five houses each, creating a dynamic community. Three towering “pile dwellings” punctuate the landscape, aligning with bridges connecting jetties. This intentional arrangement ensures uninterrupted water views, blending architectural innovation with the natural setting.

Water Cabin: A Tranquil Oasis in Seattle’s Floating Home Legacy

Water Cabin

Water Cabin by Olson Kundig. Seattle, Washington, United States. | Photo by Aaron Leitz.

Water Cabin continues a long history of floating homes in Seattle. Located in a floating home community on Portage Bay, just south of the University of Washington, it establishes a cabin sensibility in an urban environment. Low to the water and small in stature, the home’s interior program is thoughtfully arranged across two levels to maximize connections to the surrounding marine environment. Water Cabin’s materiality draws inspiration from the weathered informality of a cabin. Lightly stained knotty western red cedar exterior siding will weather over time with minimal maintenance. Durable, low-maintenance metal elements like galvanized steel and flame-sprayed zinc nod to the demanding marine environment and will complement the color of the siding as it silvers.

Seascape Metropolis: Rethinking Urban Living with Vertical City

The visionary idea of residing on water transcends being solely an architectural marvel; it emerges as a comprehensive solution for coastal cities navigating the complexities of climate change. It is a testament to the possibility of redefining urban living to be not just sustainable but also regenerative, turning the threats of climate change into an opportunity for creating resilient, vibrant, and environmentally conscious urban spaces along our coastlines.

Vertical Cities

Vertical City by Luca Curci Architects. Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Vertical City presents a visionary project proposing a water-settled “city-building” designed for 25,000 residents. This innovative initiative fosters a lifestyle deeply connected with water, challenging traditional notions of community and society. Integrating various renewable energy sources — such as wind and water turbines, solar panels, energy storage solutions, water desalination, and inclusive food production and farming — the project is dedicated to promoting a healthier lifestyle and reimagining urban living by eliminating suburban sprawl. By seamlessly blending sustainability with elevated population density, Vertical City aims to establish a zero-energy “city-building.”

While the challenges of developing land in contact with water are significant, they also offer a compelling canvas for reimagining urban landscapes. By embracing a holistic and sustainable design approach, we have the opportunity to transform potential drawbacks into catalysts for positive change, fostering resilient, inclusive, and harmonious urban environments along coastlines.

Architizer’s 12th Annual A+Awards are officially underway! Sign up for key program updates and prepare your submission ahead of the Main Entry Deadline on  December 15th.  

Reference

Linehouse designs coastal living for Cape Drive residence in Hong Kong
CategoriesInterior Design

Linehouse designs coastal living for Cape Drive residence in Hong Kong

By Zarkon Group,

Chinese studio Linehouse has designed the interiors of Cape Drive Residence in Hong Kong to respond to the surrounding coastal views.

Located on the south side of Hong Kong Island, the three-floor home is a short walk from the beaches of Stanley and Chung Hom Kok and has panoramic ocean views to the east and west from its elevated position.

“The design harnesses a costal essence through materiality, light and an easy flow, seamlessly connecting the interior and exterior spaces,” Linehouse explained.

Linehouse Cape Drive residence
The home is located on the south side of Hong Kong Island with expansive ocean views

An open living area on the ground floor connects to the kitchen and dining space while an internal courtyard was inserted between theses areas and includes a centralised tree and surrounding seating.

The living area extends to the main terrace with full-height windows that frame the expansive ocean views.

Clad in stone, the terrace forms a sunken seating area with pockets of greenery surrounding it, which shelters the sea wind.

Linehouse Cape Drive residence
A timber staircase framed by a shuttered screen connects all three floors

White timber louvers were used as a continuous ceiling plane in the living area which also extends to the terrace as a canopy.

“The design of the home reflects the relaxed and laidback lifestyle of a beach setting,” said the studio. “Warm tones, tactile surfaces and textures, a clean and simple material palette, and a seamless flow between inside and out.”

Linehouse Cape Drive residence
An outdoor terrace was clad in stone with a sunken seating area

“Cape Drive Residence offers the fitting backdrop for coastal living,” it continued.

A warm oak timber staircase was punctuated by a shuttered screen that runs vertically through all levels of the home while arranging more private areas such as bathing and dressing.

The whitewashed timber material of the screen echoes the coastal location and reflects light through the spaces.

A white metal rod screen can be slide open at each level, offering transparency and light through different spaces.

Linehouse Cape Drive residence
An internal courtyard was inserted between the dining and kitchen area

Bedrooms, a second living area and a study were placed on the upper two levels, all with coastal views.

The same whitewashed timber material used on the shuttered screen was adopted to form storage, seating and shelving in these private spaces, providing a textural contrast to the hand-raked plaster walls.

The bathrooms add a fresh moment of colour into the space, using patterned tiles handmade in Portugal by Elisa Passino.

Linehouse Cape Drive residence
Shelving and storage spaces were created from whitewashed timber material

Linehouse was founded by Alex Mok and Briar Hickling in 2013 and the duo went on to win emerging interior designer of the year at the 2019 Dezeen Awards.

The studio has recently completed a guesthouse in Hong Kong that evokes the comfort of home and a Mediterranean restaurant in Shanghai with natural, tactile materials.

The photography is by Jonathan Leijonhufvud.

Project credits:

Design: Linehouse
Design principal: Briar Hickling
Design team: Ricki-Lee Van Het Wout, Cindy Pooh

Reference

Design Theory updates mid-century coastal home in Perth
CategoriesInterior Design

Design Theory updates mid-century coastal home in Perth

By Zarkon Group,

In the City Beach suburb of Perth in Western Australia, interiors studio Design Theory has updated a tired house from the 1960s while remaining true to the rich palette of natural materials in the original design.

The young client wanted a home where she could entertain friends and live with her dogs in a durable, easy-to-clean, pet-proof home with a reworked plan making space for three bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Living room of City Beach residence
Design Theory has renovated a 1960s house in Perth

“The brief was, on the surface, simple: to update the home while keeping its considerable mid-century charm,” said Design Theory.

“While its strengths lay in its architectural form and south-facing windows, our innovative approach to the project was essential in bringing contemporary functionality and sustainability to the fore,” the studio added.

“By specifying with our client’s lifestyle in mind and considering every detail, she feels relaxed to use the house the way she wants to.”

Living room of home in Perth by Design Theory
Carpet tiles bring tactility into the sunken lounge

Once the project was underway, Design Theory quickly discovered that the structure was largely rotten and had suffered significant termite damage, so extensive restoration work was required.

“We established an early rationale to restore base-building elements in keeping with the original architecture and interior elements,” the studio said.

“Joinery, finishes and furniture would be new, informed by mid-century design. This allowed the home to evolve yet respect the heritage of this special building.”

Kitchen of City Beach residence
Yellow mosaic tiles feature across the kitchen counter

Otherwise, the house only needed sensitive restoration and a light touch to bring it up to date, according to the studio, due to its prescient emphasis on natural light, fresh air and modern, unpretentious living.

“Our design cues were taken from the era of the house’s original design, a time of humbler, honest materials and restrained detailing,” said Design Theory co-founder Lisa Reeves.

“Where cabinetry needed restoration, it was updated in respectful ways, always with a nod to what may have come before us.”

Hallway of house in Perth by Design Theory
Design Theory introduced Blackbutt timber details to the interior

The material palette celebrates warm, earthy materials: exposed brick in terracotta tones, native Blackbutt timber and a cork-like Forbo Marmoleum on the floors.

In the sunken lounge area, carpet tiles bring an added element of comfort and a distinctive gridded visual effect.

The heavy use of richly toned timber and brick is balanced by the white of the painted wall sections, the grid-like window frames and low-hanging pendant lighting.

For the kitchen counters and the bathrooms, simple mosaic tiles continue the textural theme, while referencing the home’s early-60s origins.

“We embraced a quintessentially West Australia landscape-inspired palette of Eucalyptus greens, warm timbers and sunset oranges,” the studio said.

Study of City Beach residence
Forbo Marmoleum flooring was added for textural interest

In the kitchen, subtle detailing on the cabinetry such as the full-width handles adds visual interest without grabbing undue attention, while an orange range cooker adds a retro touch.

The client acquired several pieces of vintage furniture along with the house, which Design Theory was keen to retain and restore.

Bathroom in Perth house by Design Theory
Mint green tiles feature throughout one of the two bathrooms

As a counterpoint to these mid-century elements, contemporary furniture in gently curving forms softens the rigorous lines of the original architecture and prevents the interiors from feeling like a period pastiche.

Key pieces of hardware such as original door furniture and pendant lighting were also refurbished and reinstated, “lending an authenticity to the home’s new life”, according to the studio.

Mosaic bath tub in Perth house by Design Theory
The built-in bathtub is also made from multicoloured mosaic tiles

Other residential projects in Perth that have been featured on Dezeen include a family home formed from arched panels of precast concrete and a wood-and-brick extension for a couple of empty nesters.

The photography is by Jack Lovel.



Reference

YSG draws on beach clubs of Ibiza for redesign of Sydney coastal home
CategoriesInterior Design

YSG draws on beach clubs of Ibiza for redesign of Sydney coastal home

By Zarkon Group,

Australian interiors studio YSG has updated a holiday home in Sydney’s Palm Beach suburb, layering it with a maximalist mix of colours, patterns and textures.

The 400-square-metre house belongs to a young family who wanted a place to escape during the holidays while still providing space for remote working.

Exterior of Palm Beach house
YSG renovated a holiday home in Sydney’s Palm Beach

The home’s original furnishings were included in the sale but the clients were less than enthused by the nautical colour palette, seashells and model yachts.

“The weathered features and cliched seaside tropes, amongst other things, deterred their visits,” said Yasmine Ghoniem, founder and director of YSG.

Look from patio into Sydney home by YSG
Its living and dining area are separated by a small step

YSG took cues from the rustic beach clubs of Ibiza and Cancun for the revamp, with a touch of French Riviera refinement to create “a palpably playful mood for entertaining”.

The house was given a full overhaul, with worn floorboards sanded back to reveal warmer timber accents while windows and doors were replaced with more slimline versions.

Living room with painting in Palm Beach house
Details from a painting in the lounge were carried over onto the walls

In the sunroom, tongue-and-groove panelling was removed for a more contemporary look while a mirrored wall was taken out because it caused the room to overheat.

A new rose-tinted marble floor extends to skirting height, amplifying the sense of space while helping to keep the room cool. In the kitchen, YSG added a stone island “that recalls the ombre shades of a freshly poured tequila sunrise”.

Seating area next to pool in Sydney house by YSG
Chequerboard tiles surround the pool

The couple also asked for a second master suite, so that they could each have their own retreat while working remotely.

“We designed integrated marble and timber desks, enabling both to simultaneously work privately from their rooms whilst enjoying views from the upper level,” Ghoniem said.

For the all-important exterior areas, which wrap around the house on each level, YSG provided a material refresh by removing the old heavy paving and weathered grey timber as they distracted from the views.

The pool area now features a chequerboard pattern of tumbled marble cobblestones while the dark blue pool tiles were replaced with a lighter finish and the chrome fence posts were powder-coated in a soft white tone to prevent glaring reflections.

Kitchen of Palm Beach house
The home’s stone kitchen island is made from thickly veined stone

YSG added a playful painting in the living room that acted as a starting point for the home’s entire interior scheme, including the colour palette of ochres, yellows, and reds.

Its motifs such as palm trees and fruit are repeated throughout the house across prints and cushions, as well as being hand-painted onto walls and doors.

Living room of Sydney house by YSG
The home also has a second lounge area

Even the painting’s chequered top border is continued as a hand-painted datum line across the living room to enliven the otherwise plain walls.

Ghoniem also repeated the same device on the side of the raised step that lead to the dining area, “artistically acknowledging a trip hazard”.

Bedroom of Palm Beach house
The bedrooms were designed to provide space for remote working

In the sunroom, hand-painted swirls soften the beams while in one of the master bedrooms, the vertical red lines of a nude painting were playfully continued onto the wall above the artwork.

The rich material palette features many types of marble, including Giallo, Toledo and Tiberio along with honed travertine and French wash walls, while the textiles include linen and kimono silk.

Bathroom of Palm Beach house in Sydney
Chequerboard tiling also features in some of the bathrooms

YSG has completed a number of projects across Sydney, including another house in a coastal suburb with tactile finishes and a penthouse for a couple of empty nesters.

The photography is by Prue Ruscoe.

Reference