Douglas Frost
This is an example of a small eclectic one-storey yellow exterior in Sydney with wood siding and 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

Photos Courtesy of Sharon Risedorph
Inspiration for a contemporary one-storey exterior in San Francisco.

Simon Jacobsen
Photo of a large beach style one-storey beige exterior in Boston with wood siding and a gable roof.

The sloped roof becomes a focus in the evening with uplights under the trellis walkway.
Large contemporary one-storey exterior in San Francisco with wood siding.

Big Sky Country! Photography by Lynn Donaldson
Photo of a mid-sized country one-storey brown house exterior in Other with mixed siding.

Inspiration for a contemporary one-storey brown exterior in Phoenix.

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

Design ideas for a traditional one-storey blue exterior in DC Metro with wood siding and a gable roof.

Mid-sized traditional one-storey brick white house exterior in Dallas with a hip roof and a shingle roof.

Design ideas for a midcentury one-storey grey exterior in Miami with a gable roof.

Plan 2443 featured in the Street of Dreams, Portland, OR. Photos by Bob Greenspan
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional one-storey exterior in Portland with wood siding.

Photo of a traditional one-storey white exterior in San Francisco with a gable roof.

Shannon McGrath
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary one-storey exterior in Melbourne with wood siding and a flat roof.

Photography by Laura Moss
Photo of a beach style one-storey grey exterior in New York with wood siding.

realestate.kristinrenee.com/
Small country one-storey brick exterior in Santa Barbara.

Toby Richards Photography www.tobyrichardsphoto.com
Tropical one-storey white exterior in Other.

This is an example of a traditional one-storey green exterior in San Francisco with a hip roof.

This is an example of an arts and crafts one-storey green exterior in Santa Barbara with a shingle roof.