In 2015, when Danish architect Jesper Pedersen of DNA Design Group was commissioned to work on this midcentury Point Loma home in San Diego, California, his primary intent was to bring it into the present while embracing the spirit and integrity of the classic property's original design. Pederson planned to reconstruct the home—built in 1950 by San Diego’s first modern architect, Lloyd Ruocco—and take advantage of the eco-friendly and sustainable building materials that were not available when it was originally constructed.

Using "50 shades of white" and walnut as his starting points, Pedersen was able to soften the overall look of the home and pay homage to Ruocco’s use of wood from the original design. "I thought of it as deconstructing a classic dish and reconstructing it into something even better for the times," explains Pedersen. The architect's Scandinavian heritage also played a major role in his aesthetic choices with the use of clean minimalistic lines, classic Danish furniture, natural leathers, and muted tones echoing throughout the home.

Project Credits

Architect of Record: DNA Design Group, Jesper Pedersen
General Contractor: GDC Construction
Architectural Planning Firm: Techne
Design Landscape Architect: Grounded
Lighting Designer: Tazz Lighting
Kitchen and Cabinetry: Aster Cucine

Appears In

A Renovated Midcentury in San Diego Is Sharp and Sustainable