Dolphin Place

Two enormous Hollywood Juniper trees give privacy to a quaint cottage in La Jolla, California. The original house was built in 1948 and owned by the client’s grandmother. With fond childhood memories there, the client wanted a modern home for his lifestyle but wanted to honor the original home. With that directive, Dolphin Place was respectfully transformed. Beyond the Juniper trees, the traditional dutch entry door remains, but new siding with crisp detailing replaces the original lap siding. Rather than entering into small rooms with low ceilings, the interior was opened up for volume and light. The rooms are playful with contemporary furniture and art. And because indoor- outdoor living is an integral part of the California lifestyle, large glass sliding doors completely open the house to the private courtyard and allow for natural daylighting.

The original garage that sits in the courtyard has been fully transformed into the “cube,” a place to chill. When the large hydraulic door to the “cube” is opened, it becomes an indoor/outdoor entertainment spot that takes advantage of the mild coastal climate. At the end of the day, the deck above the “cube” is the place to enjoy a cocktail and watch the sunset over the ocean. A traditional cottage is reimagined for a new generation.