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Project posted by West Edge Architects

Time Machine

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Open plan living and dining areas are indoor/outdoor with an ocean-facing patio and floor-to-ceiling glass doors and clerestory windows.
Open plan living and dining areas are indoor/outdoor with an ocean-facing patio and floor-to-ceiling glass doors and clerestory windows.
The kitchen completes the first floor open plan, and also faces the ocean.
The kitchen completes the first floor open plan, and also faces the ocean.
A walnut architectural element creates a connection between the first and second floors; on the first floor it contains kitchen appliances and storage, and on the second floor it is the home's media center.
A walnut architectural element creates a connection between the first and second floors; on the first floor it contains kitchen appliances and storage, and on the second floor it is the home's media center.
The walnut architectural element on the second floor from the stairs,.
The walnut architectural element on the second floor from the stairs,.
The upstairs landing with looking down the hall toward the master bedroom; the house is abundant with windows, including the stairs which are illuminated with natural light.
The upstairs landing with looking down the hall toward the master bedroom; the house is abundant with windows, including the stairs which are illuminated with natural light.
The walnut architectural element as media center and storage on the second floor.
The walnut architectural element as media center and storage on the second floor.
The master bedroom and its view of the ocean, just a block away.
The master bedroom and its view of the ocean, just a block away.
The wood-framed windows and glass doors complement the contemporary geometry and finishes of the master bedroom.
The wood-framed windows and glass doors complement the contemporary geometry and finishes of the master bedroom.
The master bathroom; the cedar is a continuation of the living room wall immediately below; even the shower has a view of the ocean.
The master bathroom; the cedar is a continuation of the living room wall immediately below; even the shower has a view of the ocean.

Credits

From West Edge Architects

This house is about time. The time it takes you to move through it, to discover the views, to feel the different spaces from cozy to soaring and to find yet another view of the ocean, or the marina, or the mountains behind Malibu. It is about the materials that guide you through the house creating a sequence of memories, and how they will weather and change. It is about the exposed steel posts and beams used by the client’s father to hold up a second floor addition 30 years before. Time makes everyone who lives – or has lived in it - important.

While the basic layout remains similar to the original, the house was transformed completely. A gently curved cedar wall both leads visitors to the entrance, and forms the prominent wall of the living room. A new curved roof creates clerestory windows and allows for extensive glass doors, opening the house to ocean views and breezes. The front was fully demolished in order to extend the living room and dining room to the outdoors with a patio that overlooks the ocean. The kitchen is in the center of the first floor, and enjoys generous views as well as a result of the open floor plan.

An elegant, walnut-finished storage and service element formalizes the interior and is visible throughout all major first floor spaces. It also pierces the first floor ceiling to form the architecture of the second floor’s study and media center. The master suite faces the ocean with floor-to-ceiling windows and glass doors. The site’s grade changes create ample opportunity for views and breezes for two additional second floor bedrooms as well.

Sustainability is also critical to the design. Rainwater is collected in a large-capacity retention system below the planted, front terraces. The exterior walls are protected by a well-insulated, rain screen system covered by smooth cement plaster. This system, combined with the heat resistant roof construction and well-shaded insulated glass throughout, means the house far exceeds energy performance requirements.