Sailing on the ocean

Designed by Richard Landry, Landry Design Group

From the architect:

The challenge was to create a more open, airy, and functional plan for an existing structure on a constrained site, while providing a modern, dramatic design for this beachfront residence. 

The existing house featured small rooms and low ceilings, which we had to update while adhering to code restrictions, requiring us to preserve 50% of the existing exterior walls. 

Site limitations included narrow setbacks, limited parking/turnaround space and frontage on a very busy street.

Inspired by the great arc forms of sculptor Richard Serra, sweeping stucco curves echo the rhythm of ocean waves and suggest the form of large sails. 

These are punctured by the crisp lines of cube forms, creating a sculptural composition. 

Upon approaching the property, a large cube made of custom-designed cast aluminium panels concealing the garage and bedrooms above, punches through the main plane. 

The strength and simplicity of these forms provide privacy and add a protective sound buffer from the busy street.

This dramatic language is repeated in the entry courtyard and on the private ocean side of the house where solid material is replaced with clear glass punching through the curved planes. 

The fountain and the sculptural element reminiscent of the work of Richard Serra were custom designed by the architect. 

The side walls of the media room and guest suite above were replaced with large openings to take advantage of the courtyard space and to flood the house with natural light.

The original kitchen/dining/family room area featured low ceiling and small openings. 

The space was dramatically redesigned: the kitchen was relocated to the opposite side of the room; the ceiling beams were removed to provide more height; and new with floor-to-ceiling retractable glass panels that disappear into the walls now flood the space with natural light and open the room to the interior courtyard and the ocean side.

On the beachfront side, the curved planes 'peel' away from the structure, allowing space for a metal trellis over the upper deck. 

The curved stucco wall above the glass cube conceals a private roof terrace with space for entertaining.

Designed by: Richard Landry, Landry Design Group

Story by: Trendsideas

Photography by: Manolo Langis, Jose Manuel Alorda