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The Zeidler Residence by Ehrlich Architects

Located on the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the 3,500-square-foot Zeidler Residence arranges interior and exterior living spaces to maximize views, natural light, and ocean breezes within a subtle, sophisticated material palette.

Designed for a retired couple with grown children, the house sits on a relatively flat corner lot with expansive views of the Pacific and vegetated cliff that leads from the site, down to the beach.  The parti divides the program into two main structures connected by a sheltered courtyard.  On the ocean side, the two-and-a-half-story main house features a double-height living space, with full-height glass doors that open the interior onto the exterior spaces. A mezzanine is oriented towards the view. At the end of the stair tower, a full-sized roof deck accommodates various entertaining configurations and provides strong connections to the landscape and views beyond. The front yard even incorporates a petanque court, a favorite pastime of the client.

The rear structure accommodates separate living quarters for friends and family in three oversized bedrooms. The second level studio has a full kitchen and expansive deck with views towards the ocean.  The two primary structures frame a landscaped courtyard with lap pool and built-in barbecue, and when opened to the elements form a complex of open air pavilions connected through the landscape.  A trellis with overhead panels covers a walkway from the main house to the guest house.

A minimal palette ties the entire composition together and includes steel-troweled stucco, exposed concrete block, and Rheinzink.