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Site Conditions: The site, consisting of two 25' wide by 130' deep legal lots, slopes down toward the ocean.
Rear Elevation/Cantilevered Decks: The rear elevation of the houses is composed of terracing decks projecting out towards the ocean. Each deck is cantilevered over the level below it, providing shade from the southwest exposure and protecting the flush frame wood and glass walls and interiors from the sun. Connecting each deck level are steel stairs cantilevered from the exterior angled walls of each house.
Axial Alignment/Exterior Forms: The palm tree has been transplanted, moved front and center to become an obelisk, marking the axial alignment of the site with the courtyard apartment building across the street. The front bay window of each house is distinct; each is a playfully curved sculptural form. These "seashell masks" provide each house with its own identifying sign; its own white, abstract folly imbued with form by light and shadow. These forms, in concert with the central palm tree, play an active role in the theater of the street and the Ocean Park neighborhood
Interiors: The side elevations reflect the dynamics of the interior spaces and provide adjacent neighbors with a play of stepped and faceted geometric forms. The composition of the interiors provided a sense of spaciousness despite the narrow shotgun form of the houses. Private bedrooms are sequestered on the ground floor while the living spaces above open to natural daylight, ocean views and breezes and the outdoor terraced decks.
Natural Lighting: The primary element of the interiors is natural light, which enters through a variety of apertures. Facing the linear garden courtyard, each house has a three-story wall of translucent laminated glass panels set into a wood framework ensuring privacy between the two houses. The interior stair, composed of an open steel structure and rail with wood tread, is silhouetted against the translucent glass wall.
Photography: Bernard Wolf |
