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Collection by Paige Alexus

Behind the Scenes at Harry Gesner's Sandcastl

This year, we visited the 4th International Iconic Houses Conference in L.A. and were lucky enough to tour some of the most influential pieces of architecture in existence today.
Follow us through Harry Gesner's Sandcastle in Malibu, built directly on the sand in 1970. To hear directly from the architect himself about his inspiration behind the house, make sure to watch this video and read about the story here:
dwell.com/article/...

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Looking into the circular living space, which revolves around an oversized fireplace. #harrygesner #sandcastle #iconichouses Video still courtesy of Jamie Leilani Pelayo
Looking into the circular living space, which revolves around an oversized fireplace. #harrygesner #sandcastle #iconichouses Video still courtesy of Jamie Leilani Pelayo
The kitchen is found on the other side of the fireplace. #harrygesner #sandcastle #iconichouses
The kitchen is found on the other side of the fireplace. #harrygesner #sandcastle #iconichouses
Gesner hangs some of his old cherished surfboards throughout his beach property. #harrygesner #sandcastle #iconichouses #malibu #oxbow
Gesner hangs some of his old cherished surfboards throughout his beach property. #harrygesner #sandcastle #iconichouses #malibu #oxbow
Throughout Gesner's house, we found an endless number of unique pieces—all of which have stories behind them. #malibu #harrygesner #sandcastle #iconichouses
Throughout Gesner's house, we found an endless number of unique pieces—all of which have stories behind them. #malibu #harrygesner #sandcastle #iconichouses
The brick on the fireplace was gathered from an old house that had collapsed from an earthquake. #harrygesner #sandcastle #iconichouses #malibu
The brick on the fireplace was gathered from an old house that had collapsed from an earthquake. #harrygesner #sandcastle #iconichouses #malibu
Each piece in the Sandcastle is perfectly worn-in. #harrygesner #sandcastle #iconichouses
Each piece in the Sandcastle is perfectly worn-in. #harrygesner #sandcastle #iconichouses
Gesner used reclaimed wood to build the structure himself. #malibu #harrygesner #sandcastle #iconichouses
Gesner used reclaimed wood to build the structure himself. #malibu #harrygesner #sandcastle #iconichouses
Looking up from the beach, it blends into the natural environment perfectly. #harrygesner #sandcastle #iconichouses #malibu
Looking up from the beach, it blends into the natural environment perfectly. #harrygesner #sandcastle #iconichouses #malibu
The Sandcastle looks down onto a pristine Malibu beach. #harrygesner #sandcastle #iconichouses
The Sandcastle looks down onto a pristine Malibu beach. #harrygesner #sandcastle #iconichouses
The Sandcastle sits naturally among the trees. #harrygesner #sandcastle #iconichouses #malibu
The Sandcastle sits naturally among the trees. #harrygesner #sandcastle #iconichouses #malibu
Harry Gesner sharing his inspirational story. #harrygesner #sandcastle #iconichouses Video still courtesy of Jamie Leilani Pelayo
Harry Gesner sharing his inspirational story. #harrygesner #sandcastle #iconichouses Video still courtesy of Jamie Leilani Pelayo
To the left of the Sandcastle is the Wave House, another residence designed by Gesner in 1957. #harrygesner #wavehouse #iconichouses #malibu Video still courtesy of Jamie Leilani Pelayo
To the left of the Sandcastle is the Wave House, another residence designed by Gesner in 1957. #harrygesner #wavehouse #iconichouses #malibu Video still courtesy of Jamie Leilani Pelayo
Gesner worked with his trusted helper to archive his work from the last 70 years. #harrygesner #sandcastle #iconichouses #archives
Gesner worked with his trusted helper to archive his work from the last 70 years. #harrygesner #sandcastle #iconichouses #archives
Gesner's views from his round deck. #harrygesner #sandcastle #iconichouses #malibu
Gesner's views from his round deck. #harrygesner #sandcastle #iconichouses #malibu
After Gesner told us his story, he could be seen relaxing at his dining table. #harrygesner #sandcastle #iconichouses
After Gesner told us his story, he could be seen relaxing at his dining table. #harrygesner #sandcastle #iconichouses
Gesner displays some of his old surfboards on the side of his beach house. #harrygesner #sandcastle #iconichouses #malibu
Gesner displays some of his old surfboards on the side of his beach house. #harrygesner #sandcastle #iconichouses #malibu
The windows that surround the circular structure reflect the surroundings. #harrygesner #sandcastle #iconichouses #malibu
The windows that surround the circular structure reflect the surroundings. #harrygesner #sandcastle #iconichouses #malibu
A sketch on one of Gesner's displayed surfboards. #harrygesner #sandcastle #iconichouses
A sketch on one of Gesner's displayed surfboards. #harrygesner #sandcastle #iconichouses

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