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Collection by Shane Guthrie

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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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
The front gate is decidedly spaceship-chic.
Overhead beams in the poolside corridor echo the main home’s angled form.
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 pool is surrounded by a concrete corridor that follows its curve.
The guesthouse would make an excellent home office.
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.
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.
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.
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 view from the master bedroom.
The spacious master suite has greenery-filled views—and its own private terrace.
The spacious master suite has greenery-filled views—and its own private terrace.
A crisp, updated midcentury feel permeates the family room.
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.
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.

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