Working with a sumptuous material palette, Ehrlich Yanai Rhee Chaney Architects designed a sprawling new residence in Palo Alto for Mark and Laura Pine. The teak wood and handmade Danish bricks that define the exterior are used inside as well; distressed stainless steel panels by Chris French Metal sheathe one side of the upper volume. Blasen Landscape Architecture chose Peruvian feather grass to flank the entrance walkway.
A look at an early plan of the Avery Coonley Playhouse. Spaces were altered during the subsequent conversion into a single-family residence by William Drummond.
The main house rotates around a large fireplace, where Gesner’s late wife Nan Martin used to perform for friends and family. Surrounding this gathering zone is old growth redwood cut in the 1800s, reused telephone poles, and reclaimed wood that’s been turned into door frames, window frames, and floors.
Gesner’s philosophy of architectural design is deeply intertwined with nature—which has stayed consistent throughout his whole career. An unattached piece of the house sits directly next to the main structure and holds Gesner’s extensive archive from the last 70 years.
The house blends perfectly into the land, just as Gesner had wanted. He finishes his story with, “The Sandcastle is a dream place—built with love.”
The Wave House sits directly next to the Sandcastle on the sands of Malibu. When Gesner created it in 1957, the design had originally been born when he was surfing and drew the shape of the house on his surfboard with a piece of grease pencil, and would transfer it to a drawing pad and vellum when he returned to the sand. He found inspiration in the way a giant wave embraces you—and how you become a part of it. The roof is lined with copper shingles layered in a way that gives the impression of fish scales.
The front gate is decidedly spaceship-chic.
Overhead beams in the poolside corridor echo the main home’s angled form.
The pool is surrounded by a concrete corridor that follows its curve.
The guesthouse would make an excellent home office.
The triangular guesthouse mirrors the main house, and is separated by an expansive outdoor space with a fire pit.
A large patio helps facilitate an indoor/outdoor lifestyle.
Pale blue glass tiles cover the master bathroom, where a frosted glass window brings in light without compromising privacy.
The view from the master bedroom.
The spacious master suite has greenery-filled views—and its own private terrace.
A crisp, updated midcentury feel permeates the family room.
Downstairs, a bright family room with light wood–paneled walls has floor-to-ceiling glass windows and sliding doors that provide direct access to the pool.
The interior spaces are at once defined and fluid, with the sloping ceiling height creating a dynamic sense of expansion and contraction.
A sunken den, complete with a fireplace, creates an intimate setting for lounging and conversation.
The spacious set up makes for easy entertaining.
The updated kitchen features light wood and sparkling white cabinetry.
The slope of the triangular facade creates a dramatic frame for garden views.
The interiors are bright and airy, with floor-to-ceiling glass and an open-concept layout.
The home’s dramatic triangular facade is nestled into the natural surroundings and features an expansive entry with a geometric carport.
Different parts of the home branch off a central courtyard and weave together.
The Range and hood is by Miele, and the refrigerator is by Sub-Zero.
Hilary and Michael’s firm, MOS, served as general contractor on the project, collaborating with engineering firm Silman to maximize construction speed and economy. The bar stools are from Vitra.
Three generations can gather around the picnic table in the dining area of the home.
The bedroom freely flows into an open bathroom area.
The bedroom furniture is by MOS, and the bedding is by Pendleton.
The home near Saratoga Springs, New York, features custom-designed furnishings, as well as brightly colored sheet-metal partitions and finishes.
The architect couple's h
A look at the front entrance of the residence. The home's striking sod roof effortlessly blends the property into its lush surroundings.
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