Inspiration for a modern exterior in Melbourne with wood siding.

This is an example of an expansive contemporary two-storey white exterior in Stuttgart with a flat roof.

Firmness . . . Santa Cruz’s historically eclectic Pleasure Point neighborhood has been evolving in its own quirky way for almost a century, and many of its inhabitants seem to have been around just as long. They cling to the relaxed and funky seaside character of their beach community with an almost indignant provinciality. For both client and architect, neighborhood context became the singular focus of the design; to become the “poster child” for compatibility and sustainability. Dozens of photos were taken of the surrounding area as inspiration, with the goal of honoring the idiosyncratic, fine-grained character and informal scale of a neighborhood built over time. A low, horizontal weathered ipe fence at the street keeps out surfer vans and neighborhood dogs, and a simple gate beckons visitors to stroll down the boardwalk which gently angles toward the front door. A rusted steel fire pit is the focus of this ground level courtyard, which is encircled by a curving cor-ten garden wall graced by a sweep of horse tail reeds and tufts of feather grass. Extensive day-lighting throughout the home is achieved with high windows placed in all directions in all major rooms, resulting in an abundance of natural light throughout. The clients report having only to turning on lights at nightfall. Notable are the numerous passive solar design elements: careful attention to overhangs and shading devices at South- and West-facing glass to control heat gain, and passive ventilation via high windows in the tower elements, all are significant contributors to the structure’s energy efficiency. Commodity . . . Beautiful views of Monterey Bay and the lively local beach scene became the main drivers in plan and section. The upper floor was intentionally set back to preserve ocean views of the neighbor to the north. The surf obsessed clients wished to be able to see the “break” from their upper floor breakfast table perch, able to take a moment’s notice advantage of some killer waves. A tiny 4,500 s.f. lot and a desire to create a ground level courtyard for entertaining dictated the small footprint. A graceful curving cor-ten and stainless steel stair descends from the upper floor living areas, connecting them to a ground level “sanctuary”. A small detached art studio/surfboard storage shack in the back yard fulfills functional requirements, and includes an outdoor shower for the post-surf hose down. Parking access off a back alley helps to preserve ground floor space, and allows in the southern sun on the view/courtyard side. A relaxed “bare foot beach house” feel is underscored by weathered oak floors, painted re-sawn wall finishes, and painted wood ceilings, which recall the cozy cabins that stood here at Breakers Beach for nearly a century. Delight . . . Commemorating the history of the property was a priority for the surfing couple. With that in mind, they created an artistic reproduction of the original sign that decorated the property for many decades as an homage to the “Cozy Cabins at Breakers Beach”, which now graces the foyer. This casual assemblage of local vernacular architecture has been informed by the consistent scale and simple materials of nearby cottages, shacks, and bungalows. These influences were distilled down to a palette of board and batt, clapboard, and cedar shiplap, and synthesized with bolder forms that evoke images of nearby Capitola Wharf, beach lifeguard towers, and the client’s “surf shack” program requirements. The landscape design takes its cues from boardwalks, rusted steel fire rings, and native grasses, all of which firmly tie the building to its local beach community. The locals have embraced it as one of their own. Architect - Noel Cross Architect Landscape Architect - Christopher Yates Interior Designer - Gina Viscusi-Elson Lighting Designer - Vita Pehar Design Contractor - The Conrado Company

Philippe Le Pochat Photographe www.lepochat-photographe.com Constructeur/architecte: Booa Construction
Photo of a large contemporary two-storey grey exterior in Rennes with wood siding and a gable roof.

Located on an oddly shaped wooded lot in West Vancouver, this house is approached by a meandering drive that traverses a seasonal creek. A heavily treed hillside defines the northern property boundary, while east-to-west the forest thins down a slope toward a railway line. To the east there is also a neighbouring house that is visible. The design for this house generates its own territory within an L-shaped courtyard plan. The public side of the house — an enigmatic stucco shell that faces the street — shields an articulated inner courtyard that is lined with wooden slats. This space is configured to accommodate outdoor entertaining and family activities. Expansive frontal views are primarily from the courtyard while potential views beyond the site have been carefully framed to provide privacy yet present specific views out over the site. For example an elongated window located at counter level in the kitchen offers a particular view of hillside planting and the rocks that are embedded against the house. The potential sprawl and warren-like nature of a large single-family house is addressed by connecting the modulated interior spaces, while a large double height volume cuts a swath through the house.

James Klotz Photography
This is an example of a modern two-storey grey exterior in Other.

Art Gray
This is an example of a country one-storey brown exterior in Austin with wood siding and a flat roof.

Elliott Kaufman Photography
Design ideas for a contemporary two-storey exterior in San Francisco.

© Steve Keating Photography
Inspiration for a contemporary exterior in Seattle with wood siding.

Design ideas for a contemporary one-storey grey exterior in San Diego.

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary two-storey white house exterior in Melbourne with mixed siding.

© David Sundberg/Esto
Expansive contemporary three-storey exterior in New York with wood siding.

Don Pearse Photographers
Inspiration for a contemporary exterior in Philadelphia with wood siding.

Contemporary two-storey exterior in Toronto with mixed siding.

Traditional brown exterior in Portland with stone veneer.

Inspiration for a country exterior in Moscow.

Pablo Vicens Hualde
Large contemporary two-storey white exterior in Madrid with mixed siding and a flat roof.

This is an example of a modern exterior in Yokohama.