The original house was a non-descript one-story tract style house built in the 1960's, located on a street along the ridge of a hill in Laguna Beach. The existing ceilings were low and the rooms facing the ocean did not take advantage of the magnificent views of the ocean, city lights, and hills beyond. The challenge was to create an architecturally interesting house with high ceilings, flowing spaces, and natural light while maintaining a low profile from the street and with a modest budget. 

 

Our solution was to remove the existing roof at the rear, stopping the ridgeline, and create two new roofs sloping from the sides to a center wall at the kitchen, but not exceeding the existing roof ridge. This allowed higher glass at the rear and dramatic spaces without increasing the building height. The existing breezeway between the house and garage was enclosed to create library, and multi-panel glass doors at the great room and master bedroom maximize views across the entire rear of the house. Spaces were allowed to flow together, and a high light well along the spine of the house admits natural light into the middle of the house. A modest entry is screened by a stone wall with a waterfall and reflection pool, which is enjoyed from the dining room through a multi-panel, floor to ceiling glass door. The kitchen was completely remodeled with modern cabinetry, and a s-sided fireplace is located at the heart of the great room. A two-tone smooth stucco finish with wood accents, and a painted metal fascia completes the exteriors. This project was approved by the Laguna Beach Design Review Board at the first hearing.

 

The addition of 353 square feet was added to the existing 1967 square foot residence, for a total of 2320 square feet with three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a library, and great room.