Project Data:

Completion Date:     8/18/2026

Square Footage:      7500

Building Use:           Single Family Residence

Project Description:

The California sun rose over the Pacific, casting a golden and rosy hue across the sky, marking the start of a new day. Darion, a young architect enamored with clean lines and open spaces, returned from his morning coffee run, relishing the crisp ocean breeze. His architectural masterpiece, perched proudly on the cliffside, harmonized effortlessly with its surroundings—a living entity reflecting both serenity and strength.

Inside, Anita, an artist with a vibrant soul akin to the coastal wildflowers, greeted him warmly. Her presence infused the house with creativity and warmth. They enjoyed their coffee on the expansive deck, where the ocean stretched before them like a living tapestry.

Breakfast often unfolded in the modern kitchen, designed for both function and beauty, with sleek countertops and ample natural light. Mornings here were a symphony of fresh coffee, sizzling bacon, and lively conversation.

Their days unfolded in the upstairs office, a hive of creativity where Darion's blueprints mingled with Anita's canvases. The rhythmic crash of waves provided a soothing backdrop to their work.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, they welcomed friends to their home, a microcosm of California's vibrant lifestyle. Evenings on the deck or around the dining table were filled with good food, laughter, and the warmth of companionship.

Their home was a sanctuary where nature, design, and love intertwined seamlessly—a testament to their shared vision and dreams. Each day promised new adventures and inspirations, echoing the bright future ahead, much like the sunrise over the Pacific.

Design for Integration, Design for Energy, Design for Well-being 

Design for Integration:
by integrating the site into the design of the home. The slope of the site is respected and embraced through the design by connecting the lower floor and the main floor to the exterior spaces. This home is built with the slope rather than against it, allowing for full use of the landscape and open space for the occupants.

Design for Energy:
by utilizing several passive solar design features to reduce the need for indoor artificial lighting, thus saving on energy use throughout the home. The use of recessed windows and architectural shading helps to rely on day lighting to fill the interior spaces effectively, while also limiting the sun’s heat infiltration into the home. Automatic window systems and skylight shading is central to the goal of regulating heat gain and limiting the need for overrunning HVAC systems.

Design for Wellness:
by enhancing thermal comfort through the placement of operable windows, doors, and large openings between floors that encourages natural air circulation throughout the home. The additional natural lighting strategies have an immense impact on the wellbeing and quality of life that this home provides. The clerestory windows and skylights help to facilitate light into all corners and sides of the home, allowing sunlight to fill the space within.

Completion Date:     8/18/2026

Square Footage:      7500

Building Use:           Single Family Residence

Location:                 Laguna Beach, CA

Anders Lasater

Toal Civil Engineering

Micheal Wilkes

Anders Lasater Architects