Vista del Golfo Residence

Long Beach, California

This project encompassed the complete exterior and interior renovation of a 4,000 square foot private residence. Located on Los Alamitos Bay facing the Pacific Ocean, the original house was built in 1992 but failed to take advantage of its spectacular waterfront setting. The goal for the redesign was to reorganize all of the major interior spaces so that each have commanding water views and allow for easy entertaining. On the first floor the kitchen was relocated and redesigned to serve as the communal centerpiece of the house. The exterior wall of the living room was completely removed and replaced with accordion glass doors which allow for the interior to seamlessly flow to the new exterior deck facing the water. The master bedroom, bathroom and study on the second floor were also reorganized toward the views. The client, who in his youth oiled the decks of his father’s fishing vessel, wanted a house reminiscent of a boat, but modern in aesthetic and function, serving as a vessel for his artwork, wine and friends. Toward that aim, the new design is clad in bright white plaster and natural wood cladding. Stainless steel fittings support glass rails and hardwood flooring unifying all the spaces. The result is a simple, inviting architecture that is extremely modern yet contextual in its aesthetic.