Hermosa Beach Ocean View Family Home

In this project Lazar has created another of his hyper-livable top floors—half indoors, half outdoors—that could arguably be the beating heart of the home. A sunny gathering space and gourmet kitchen are gathered under an elevated ceiling. Lined with windows and stocked with gleaming counters, the big room opens onto an equally spacious ocean-view deck that could morph either way: as everyday living space or party central. Practical highlights include a vestibule that connects to a bathroom, an elevator and a covert set of stairs that run down the exterior of the house. “From the pool you can run down the stairs and into the master bathroom,” says Lazar. “Or straight into the kids wing. Either way, you don’t run through the house dripping wet.” Thoughtfully designed by Steve Lazar design+build by South Swell. designbuildbysouthswell.com Photography by Joel Silva.