Project Data:

Completion Date:     1/15/2022

Square Footage:      8219

Building Use:           Residential

Project Description:

The Strand at Dana Point, CA is one of the last remaining land developments along the California coastline that still has undeveloped, vacant lots. Each lot is carefully planned to maximize views of what’s called Headland Rock and the picturesque Coastline beyond.

The selected building site features intimate views of Headland Rock that defines the home’s setting along the Coastal Bluff of Dana Point. The open layout of the home has been designed to draw views through the home from the double height entry foyer to the entertaining indoor/outdoor spaces. Key elements of the home are defined by floor to ceiling window walls, pocketing/sliding doors, and cantilever view decks.
The exterior design of the home takes advantage of a subterranean basement to provide light and views on all three levels given the sloping topography of the site. Thoughtful material use and minimalist detailing exaggerate the application of traditional forms alongside modern glass volumes and defines a timeless, modern beach house. With the cost per square foot being around $750, the life cycle of the building and its materials was an important consideration given the size of the development of the project.
Architecturally, we wanted to step away from trends that implement large quantities of hardwood species and instead proposed a material palette of composite horizontal siding, aluminum composite metal paneling, and thin-brick veneer which are all recyclable materials and carry a much lower embodied energy. Even the primary suite consists of drywall ceilings that were carefully detailed, alongside the interior desginers, to create visual interest with the formal language. Passive daylighting techniques such as steel trellis elements and larger glazing areas create dramatic displays of light and shadow as seen in the primary bath; features full height ribbon windows with mirrors to expand the view from the tub and shower. Home automation and lighting control alongside a large solar roof area ensure energy performance and thermal comfort when the large doors and windows are not open to take advantage of natural ventilation throughout the year.
This is a home designed for entertaining and flexibility with primary living spaces on the view and secondary rooms, such as the dining room, that take advantage of sliding wall panels to further draw the view into the home.
The home uniquely provides a 3-car garage with two subterranean car vaults that add additional storage for 2-cars.
The lower level hosts a large pool deck with entertaining outdoor/indoor amenities to rival any high end resort. The end product is a family home we believe to be timeless in aesthetic as well as performance. Long term maintenance will require minimal upkeep given the materials selected which is a real benefit to the project given the Coastal exposure.

Firm Name:              BRANDON ARCHITECTS,INC

Completion Date:     1/15/2022

Square Footage:      8219

Building Use:           Residential

Location:                 Dana Point

Project Description:
Design for Well-being
Responsible material use was a primary objective for the Beach View Residence. Through many iterations, we determined the appropriate balance of material that limited the use of hardwood material to the front entry door and interior flooring. The primary exterior and interior materials consist of composite horizontal siding, thin-brick veneer, aluminum composite metal panels, and drywall which are all recyclable materials and carry a lower embodied energy than most alternatives. Our goal was to set new design trends that would emphasize views, natural light, and a formal language over high cost material that creates an environmental deficit. With all windows being operable, even the skylights, our primary concern was to properly ventilate the space, and optimize daylight against the heat gain.

Design for Integration
A building that is deeply rooted in its place and environmental context is one that places value on its regional ecosystem. We have responded to the sensitive environment with native landscaping and stormwater management practices to treat runoff on-site and prevent larger rain events from overwhelming the public infrastructure and draining into our oceans.

Design for Energy
Also, the buildings draw on resources will have indirect impacts which is why energy performance and mitigating consumption through passive strategies does have a positive impact on the regional ecological health.

Design Architect:
Brandon Architects

Associate Architect or Firm:

Landscape Architect:
David A. Pedersen

Owner / Developer:
Genova Capital Development

Engineer:
Civil: Toal Engineering
Structural: PMA Consulting

General Contractor:
Genova Capital Development

Consultant:
Interior Designer: Hawk & Co.

Photographer:
Chad Mellon