The story of this design began with two found objects and three inspirational words: modern, coastal and sanctuary. Perched on a hilltop in a coastal neighborhood, this residence reflects its owner’s appreciation for clean lines, visual simplicity, and quiet surprises. Given these objects and the three words, we interpreted them as such:

Modern - form: a modern interpretation of a beach shack with a pitched roof and a simplified expression of punched openings.

Coastal - material: a soft palette of light natural stone and wood reflecting the smooth gray beach stone and aged driftwood.

Sanctuary - daylight, flow, and scale: a living environment with plentiful natural daylight and open, connected, differentiated spaces. A place sensitive to the human scale and considered from the public view using architectural and landscape design moves.

“We don’t want the house to feel dark.”

The design is organized around a central glass entry hall. It, along with abundant skylights and large windows and doors, allows natural daylight to spill in. The two-story volume also announces the main entry and showcases the home’s monumental stairs. The family is deeply engaged with their community and loves to entertain. Creating a strong sense of indoor-outdoor living and maximizing the property’s potential were essential. In addition to strategic daylighting and passive cooling through the thermal chimney effect of the glass hall, the house incorporates a substantial geothermal system and photovoltaic array - significantly minimizing its environmental footprint. This is a home where a large family can thrive: a sanctuary that fosters safety, connection, and harmony with their natural surroundings. Though not directly on the beach, it evokes that same beachside feeling - calm, light, and free - right at home.

Project design by Chris Kempel of Rockefeller Kempel Architects