North San Diego County, California
The site of this residence is elevated about 200 feet above sea level, nestled into the brow of the hill with views of the Ocean. Casualness of living spaces with emphasis on outdoor spaces was the basic program and in keeping with the owners’ desire for a Mid-Century aesthetic. The objective was to let land, sea and sky dominate with the architecture being a background element. While the floor plan layout of the residence is all new it follows the footprint of the original 1966 ”U” shaped home (except for a small expansion on the north side). The existing residence was mostly demolished, only a portion of the living room’s ceiling and concrete slab remained.
The new plan organizes the social rooms at the base of the “U” with living areas and decks oriented to the west. The wings of the “U” function as more private spaces. The courtyard opens to the east to provide relief from ocean breezes and to create a sub-climate space. The garage at a lower level provides large openings at the front and back.
Corner windows, floor to ceiling doors and windows create an open, expansive feeling. Stained wood beams (salvaged from the existing home in the living room), wood ceiling, plaster walls and solid cork flooring keep the palate minimal on the interior. The exterior walls are vertical cedar board (a nod to the ‘66 home) with broad soffits that continue the indoor ceiling to the exterior.
photography by David Harrison
