This beach home for a family with young children represents the next stage in the evolution of California Modernism; an homage both to Schindler and to the principles related to physical and mental well-being that are embodied in great Modernist architecture. Located just one half block from the beach in a high-density, residential neighborhood, the home’s outdoor spaces are raised off the ground and the third floor living spaces merge to create one large, comfortable room. The inverted living pattern liberates the family from the commotion of the walkstreet below by placing the more public areas on the uppermost floor. Here, dramatic natural light and architectural space play off spectacular ocean views framed by floor-to-ceiling, transparent, moveable walls. The partially submerged beach room invites the outside in by providing ample exterior space for the family to relax under the house.

The exterior of the home provides an explicit map of the site. While the eastern facade’s nearly solid white plaster wall gives the family privacy, the open western facade reveals extensive floor to ceiling glass. The southern facade splits down the middle: the east half is a plaster wall penetrated by rectangular windows covered by awnings, and the west side is glass walls and protruding balconies. The deep balconies and awning protect the owners’ extensive collection of artwork inside from the damaging effects of the sun. The main entrance faces onto the walkstreet, offering a generous spatial sequence from the front gate to the front door. The second floor of the home cantilevers above the entry, creating a cubic volume of space below and giving the entrance a ceremonial quality, as well as a much-welcomed street presence.