Project Data:

Completion Date:     4/29/2022

Square Footage:      8319

Building Use:           Custom Residential

Project Description:

Laguna Beach is a unique coastal community that features some of the most exclusive beaches and coastal communities in California. The Emerald Bay Residence is nestled into the hillside within the Emerald Bay community located north of Pacific Coast Hwy. Given the orientation of the property, the rear of the home is set into the slope and with front facing view potential overlooking the street.
When approaching the design of the home, it became clear that there was unobstructed view potential at various elevations of the lot. Taking a top to bottom approach, the primary living spaces were located on the upper two floors while the secondary living spaces were located on the lower two levels; also known as reverse living.
The upper two floors are defined by light on all four sides with viewing vistas at an elevation of 200’+ above sea level. An important challenge with this configuration was providing ocean views from the backyard space and pool area. This was addressed with floor to ceiling window systems and large glass sliding doors that open the interior living space to the exterior providing stunning views from the pool across the open concept floor plan.
The lower two levels are terraced into the slope as partial subterranean basements. Terracing the footprint of the building reduces the impacts of grading and limits the footprint to improve the Daylight Factor for these subterranean spaces. At the lowest elevation, the spa/fitness room takes advantage of a saddle in the road maximizing the view at every floor level.
A large atrium connects three levels of the home which maximizes access to light and views while providing natural ventilation throughout the home as heat rises and is naturally ventilated at the upper floor level with expansive sliding door systems.
The exterior of the home is defined by a Modern architectural style consisting of extended roof eaves, natural wood ceilings, raked limestone veneer, smooth-coat stucco, exposed steel and black metal accents. The terraced floor plan design provides relief in massing at the street elevation with a variation of view decks and a large green roof over the garage.
As a custom detail of the front elevation and primary living space, massive sliding doors stack over the entry/atrium below to fully open the wall of the great room to the view deck. Passive shading techniques such as screens, brise soleil and roof overhangs help reduce the impacts of large expanses of glass; such as floor to ceiling sliding doors, a large skylight over atrium, and clerestory windows. A butterfly roof over the kitchen and dining draws indirect daylight and views upslope to tie together the full extent of the property and minimize the need for artificial lighting. The rear of the property is sheltered from on-shore wind with large outdoor terraces that step up the hillside to a rooftop bar and roof deck overlooking the roof below to panoramic views and breathtaking sunsets.

Design for Integration, Design for Equitable Communities, Design for Ecosystems, Design for Water , Design for Economy, Design for Energy, Design for Well-being, Design for Resources, Design for Change, Design for Discovery 

Design for Integration:
The house is nestled into the hillside, respecting the natural topography. The terraced design minimizes grading impacts, and the building's footprint is carefully integrated into the slope.

Design for Equitable Communities:
The residence utilizes an open concept design enhancing inclusivity and community. Additionally, the home has an elevator, which promotes an equitable experience for all family and friends.

Design for Ecosystems:
The large green roof over the garage supports local biodiversity and helps manage stormwater. The large atrium connecting three levels maximizes natural ventilation, reducing the need for mechanical cooling and promoting a healthier indoor environment.

Design for Water:
Water usage was minimized through the plumbing fixture selection, with low-flow fixtures, and the design element of the green roof, as a way to mitigate storm water. The plant selection was integral as well, by selecting local, drought tolerant plants.

Design for Economy:
Passive shading techniques, such as brise soleil and roof overhangs, reduce cooling costs by minimizing solar heat gain through large expanses of glass. Additionally, the use of materials like limestone veneer and steel accents ensure long-term durability and low maintenance costs.

Design for Energy:
The design maximizes natural light with floor-to-ceiling windows, sliding glass doors, and a butterfly roof, reducing the need for artificial lighting. The house uses passive shading techniques and strategic placement of windows and skylights to optimize energy use for heating and cooling.

Design for Well-Being:
The atrium and large windows provide ample natural light and ventilation, creating a healthy indoor environment. The design's emphasis on ocean views, terraces, and outdoor living spaces promotes a strong connection to the natural surroundings.

Design for Resources:
The use of local and durable materials reduces the environmental footprint.

Design for Change:
The reverse living concept and terraced design offer flexibility for future modifications or adaptations to changing needs.

Design for Discovery:
The reverse living approach, extensive use of natural light, and integration with the hillside demonstrate innovative architectural solutions. The house can serve as a model for sustainable and site-integrated residential design, offering lessons for future projects.

Completion Date:     4/29/2022

Square Footage:      8319

Building Use:           Custom Residential

Location:                 Laguna Beach, CA

Brandon Architects, Inc.

N/A

920 Emerald Bay, LLC

Structural: PMA Consulting, Inc. (Plamen Petrov)
Civil: Toal Engineering
Soils Engineer: Borella Geology, Inc.

MDZA Landscape Arc. & Planning (Steve Hartman)

Gallo Builders, Inc. (Chris Gallo)

Interior Designer: Hawk & Co. (Summer Jensen)

Langoworks (Manolo Langis)