© Joe Fletcher
- Architects: Malcolm Davis Architecture
- Location: Sea Ranch, CA 95480, United States
- Architect In Charge: Malcolm Davis
- Area: 2690.0 m2
- Project Year: 2006
- Photographs: Joe Fletcher
- Landscape Architect: Lutsko Associates
- Contractor: Phil Simon, Simon Construction.
© Joe Fletcher
From the architect. A well-read, well-traveled couple commissioned this house as a counterpoint to their small apartment in a San Francisco high rise. Their house was to hold their books and collection of artifacts from around the world. The program called for “his and hers” offices at opposite ends of the house, encouraging focus but allowing for interaction around the central kitchen. They wanted a place to read and write in the reflective and inspiring coastal setting.
© Joe Fletcher
Sited on a highly exposed ocean meadow lot, the challenge was to provide privacy and sheltered outdoor space while maximizing the sense of openness and capturing the southerly views. The sheltered courtyard separates the main living spaces from the two-story volume of more private uses. The massing of the two simple sheds creates a focal point while blocking the coastal wind and views from the house of the immediate neighbor. A connector joins the volumes with small portal windows at the driveway in contrast to the all glass exposure at the garden and blocks the coastal winds while allowing one to enjoy private ocean views.
© Joe Fletcher
Floor Plan
© Joe Fletcher
The plan is open and informal with the kitchen, dining room, and living room in one space. The interiors are warm and calm with generous windows framing views of the ocean and the forested ridge. The material palette is drawn from these views. The polished concrete floors are sown with local beach sand. The fir used throughout was locally harvested. Indoor and outdoor connections are emphasized by the continuous use of stone from the front walk through the house and out to the central courtyard. Being in the main living space is to be “in the meadow” able to observe the birds and native plants close at hand.
Sig Nordal 