Photo by Tim Furlong Jr.

Firmness . . . Santa Cruz’s historically eclectic Pleasure Point neighborhood has been evolving in its own quirky way for almost a century, and many of its inhabitants seem to have been around just as long. They cling to the relaxed and funky seaside character of their beach community with an almost indignant provinciality. For both client and architect, neighborhood context became the singular focus of the design; to become the “poster child” for compatibility and sustainability. Dozens of photos were taken of the surrounding area as inspiration, with the goal of honoring the idiosyncratic, fine-grained character and informal scale of a neighborhood built over time. A low, horizontal weathered ipe fence at the street keeps out surfer vans and neighborhood dogs, and a simple gate beckons visitors to stroll down the boardwalk which gently angles toward the front door. A rusted steel fire pit is the focus of this ground level courtyard, which is encircled by a curving cor-ten garden wall graced by a sweep of horse tail reeds and tufts of feather grass. Extensive day-lighting throughout the home is achieved with high windows placed in all directions in all major rooms, resulting in an abundance of natural light throughout. The clients report having only to turning on lights at nightfall. Notable are the numerous passive solar design elements: careful attention to overhangs and shading devices at South- and West-facing glass to control heat gain, and passive ventilation via high windows in the tower elements, all are significant contributors to the structure’s energy efficiency. Commodity . . . Beautiful views of Monterey Bay and the lively local beach scene became the main drivers in plan and section. The upper floor was intentionally set back to preserve ocean views of the neighbor to the north. The surf obsessed clients wished to be able to see the “break” from their upper floor breakfast table perch, able to take a moment’s notice advantage of some killer waves. A tiny 4,500 s.f. lot and a desire to create a ground level courtyard for entertaining dictated the small footprint. A graceful curving cor-ten and stainless steel stair descends from the upper floor living areas, connecting them to a ground level “sanctuary”. A small detached art studio/surfboard storage shack in the back yard fulfills functional requirements, and includes an outdoor shower for the post-surf hose down. Parking access off a back alley helps to preserve ground floor space, and allows in the southern sun on the view/courtyard side. A relaxed “bare foot beach house” feel is underscored by weathered oak floors, painted re-sawn wall finishes, and painted wood ceilings, which recall the cozy cabins that stood here at Breakers Beach for nearly a century. Delight . . . Commemorating the history of the property was a priority for the surfing couple. With that in mind, they created an artistic reproduction of the original sign that decorated the property for many decades as an homage to the “Cozy Cabins at Breakers Beach”, which now graces the foyer. This casual assemblage of local vernacular architecture has been informed by the consistent scale and simple materials of nearby cottages, shacks, and bungalows. These influences were distilled down to a palette of board and batt, clapboard, and cedar shiplap, and synthesized with bolder forms that evoke images of nearby Capitola Wharf, beach lifeguard towers, and the client’s “surf shack” program requirements. The landscape design takes its cues from boardwalks, rusted steel fire rings, and native grasses, all of which firmly tie the building to its local beach community. The locals have embraced it as one of their own. Architect - Noel Cross Architect Landscape Architect - Christopher Yates Interior Designer - Gina Viscusi-Elson Lighting Designer - Vita Pehar Design Contractor - The Conrado Company

A relaxed beach side cottage. Photos by Michael Partenio

The clients were looking for a beach house to be built on this site overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the Channel Islands, and the house design responds with a guest wing and a tower oriented to take in the ocean view. At the clients’ direction, Coburn designed a building that has a timeless appearance, looking as if it has been sitting on site for decades. This intention was achieved with salvaged materials, focused design work, and a high level of detail typically found in the great homes of the past.

Cape Cod style bedroom featuring Mohawk Flooring hardwood floors Brindisi Plank in Mocha Maple from Episode 5 of Fox Home Free (2016). Photo courtesy of Fox Home Free.

Modern Golf Cottage In Windsor, Vero Beach, Florida Photography by Aric Attas Renovation by RCL Development

A bright but neutral tone permeates through the library’s American Cherry paneling, built-in cases, French doors, double-hung windows and beam ceilings with v-groove board coffers. James Merrell Photography

Greg Premru Photography

The master bedroom has a large, open feel and French doors leading out to a private patio.

Cedar Shake Siding and Cedar Roofing Exterior. Project in Southampton

The recreation room of the walkout basement delightfully manipulates shiplap paneling and v-groove accents around French doors and casement windows as well as the fioreplace with its bracketed mantel and arched brick surround. James Merrell Photography

Southampton cedar shake home with a pergolas and salt water pool Photo By Sal Amato

Complete Door & Window Glazing featuring multiple Aluminum Curtain Walls and 4 Outswing Terrace Doors