Fotograf: Philipp Brohl
Inspiration for a large contemporary two-storey stucco white exterior in Dusseldorf with a gable roof.

Rumpus room, entertaining area, infinity pool, travertine made grates and pool tile slabs, all imported from Europe made to measure.
Design ideas for a large mediterranean three-storey white exterior in Sydney with a flat roof.

This is an example of a mediterranean two-storey beige exterior in San Francisco with mixed siding.

Photo by Ed Gohlich
Design ideas for a small traditional one-storey white house exterior in San Diego with wood siding, a gable roof and a shingle 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

Peter Bennetts
Contemporary exterior in Melbourne with metal siding and a flat roof.

Inspiration for a country exterior in Boston with metal siding.

Inspiration for a contemporary two-storey white exterior in Nantes with mixed siding and a flat roof.

Design ideas for a large beach style three-storey beige exterior in Philadelphia with wood siding.

Photo of a contemporary concrete exterior in Seattle.

architect : Yossi fridman : josephfriedman@gmail.com
Contemporary exterior in Other with wood siding.

The kitchen and dining areas sit at the core of the home, bridging two buildings on the compound. On the left, a garage and guest room. On the right, the living areas and master suite. Photo: Jim Bartch

Design ideas for a transitional two-storey white house exterior in Salt Lake City with a gable roof and a shingle roof.

Photo of a contemporary three-storey brick house exterior in London with a hip roof and a shingle roof.

This is an example of a large contemporary two-storey concrete beige exterior in Other with a gable roof.

eric.béber.photo
This is an example of a mid-sized country split-level exterior in Corsica with stone veneer and a gable roof.

Matt Wronski Photography, LLC
Inspiration for a large country two-storey brown exterior in Providence with wood siding and a gambrel roof.

Photo by: John Jenkins, Image Source Inc
Photo of a large beach style three-storey brown house exterior in Philadelphia with wood siding and a gable roof.

Ronald Tilleman, Rotterdam
This is an example of a large modern two-storey white exterior in Stuttgart with a flat roof.