Project Data:

Completion Date:     1/15/2021

Square Footage:      4281

Building Use:           Residential

Project Description:

The owners of this oceanfront property overlooking the Pacific ocean, requested a residence which would harmoniously adapt to the surrounding landscape while also embracing the seaside lifestyle. The house is designed to accommodate a family’s changing needs and interests in different occasions and through its lifetime.

The design parti evolved as two diaphanous pavilions around a central courtyard. The front, most oceanward pavilion contains communal space, while the back pavilion contains intimate, private spaces. This leads to a spatial sequence in which the residence becomes progressively more private

Located along the sinuous edge where land meets sea, the architecture of the Three Arch Bay residence focuses on dissolving boundaries, framing views, and enhancing the experience of the rituals of everyday. Indoor and outdoor living is orchestrated by balancing views with privacy, communal space with intimacy. A reductionist approach to form and materiality give priority to an atmosphere of meditation and tranquility, establishing direct contact with the sea.

Design for Energy, Design for Well-being 

ENERGY
The architect and the owner shared an interest in sustainability. The design integrates
stone flooring and walls, acting as a passive, thermal heating and cooling system;
planted roofs provide thermal insulation, photovoltaic panels; operable windows and
large sliding doors to facilitate natural ventilation and low maintenance recycled
materials for cabinetry and other interior finishes.

Other sustainable techniques include dual pane insulated glass windows and doors,
recycled materials, sustainably forested wood framing, Energy Star appliances and
lighting, low flow toilets and faucets, and low VOC paints. Not only is the house energy
efficient, but the drought tolerant landscaping, efficient irrigation, construction and
erosion control, and even waste management is sensitive to the environment.

WELL-BEING
The owner's brief called for an internal sanctuary for the enjoyment of family and
friends. The benign climate of this region created an opportunity for the seamless
integration of interior and exterior space. A second skin system of adjustable,
electronically controlled exterior shutters facilitates the control of light and privacy. The
reductive, minimal forms and materials give priority to an atmosphere of meditation
and tranquility, establishing direct contact with the sea.

Completion Date:     1/15/2021

Square Footage:      4281

Building Use:           Residential

Location:                 Laguna Beach, CA

Horst Noppenberger

Horst Architects

Thomas and Lisa Tayeri

Tarek Mokhtar

Jim Dockstader

Dave Shipp Construction

Surveyor - Olav Meum, Toal Engineering
Civil - Caleb Rios, Toal Engineering
Geologist - Mike Childs, Via Geos
Arborist - Ed Black, Blacks Tree Care
Energy - Paul Kandarian, Southland Energy Consultants
Interiors - Arianna Noppenberger, Aria Design

Toby Ponnay