Cyber Week: Get 35% off Dwell with promo code WEEK35
SubscribeSign In
Collection by Erika Heet

Modern Homes in San Diego

Although at first glance San Diego is typically associated with beachside apartments and tile-roofed bungalows, it most definitely has a modern side. With architectural legends such as Louis Kahn blazing the trail, the city is holding its own: Here are six houses from our pages that show San Diego's modern edge.

View 6 Photos
Nestled between an existing concrete wall at right and the new reading loft at left is the entrance staircase, which Colkitt sheathed in rusted steel panels. He used Homasote, invented in 1909 and made from recycled post-consumer paper, for the work board at right and elsewhere in the space. “You can drill on it or tack onto it, and it’s more flexible than drywall,” notes Colkitt. Beneath the new reading loft, which is clad in drywall and set between the wall and the staircase, is a new hallway and dressing area leading to the bathroom. Photo by Cheryl Ramsay.
Nestled between an existing concrete wall at right and the new reading loft at left is the entrance staircase, which Colkitt sheathed in rusted steel panels. He used Homasote, invented in 1909 and made from recycled post-consumer paper, for the work board at right and elsewhere in the space. “You can drill on it or tack onto it, and it’s more flexible than drywall,” notes Colkitt. Beneath the new reading loft, which is clad in drywall and set between the wall and the staircase, is a new hallway and dressing area leading to the bathroom. Photo by Cheryl Ramsay.
For this San Diego family, the phrase "putting down roots" has taken on a whole new meaning.
For this San Diego family, the phrase "putting down roots" has taken on a whole new meaning.
Sebastian and Maricarmen Mariscal take in the sweeping western views from the balcony of their new downtown San Diego home, all the while keeping a watchful eye on Mateo and Olivia playing on the sidewalk below.
Sebastian and Maricarmen Mariscal take in the sweeping western views from the balcony of their new downtown San Diego home, all the while keeping a watchful eye on Mateo and Olivia playing on the sidewalk below.
Jonathan and Wendy Segal on their master bedroom deck.
Jonathan and Wendy Segal on their master bedroom deck.
Twin houses face off in La Jolla across wide-open walls and decking. The design held such appeal that the architect claimed one 2inn for himself.
Twin houses face off in La Jolla across wide-open walls and decking. The design held such appeal that the architect claimed one 2inn for himself.