Project Data:

Firm Name:              Laidlaw Schultz architects

Completion Date:     3/20/2019

Square Footage:      2141

Building Use:           Single Family Residential

Location:                 Laguna Beach, California

Project Description:

The owners began searching for a new home late last year and fell in love with unique neighborhood, and in particular the quirky 1970’s piece of architecture originally designed by a noted Laguna Beach architect. The goal with this remodel was to somehow maintain the eccentric nature of this original home, while acknowledging that it need to be repaired, updated, and brought up to today’s standards. The first challenge was the existing carport. The owners were uncomfortable with the thought of having an opening parking stall, which the home was originally afforded, and concerned that the visual clutter associated with (everyone’s) garage is best concealed. As such we looked into enclosing the existing carport but ran into code standards and unfortunately we were unable to make the garage door fit as the bent roof came too low on the left hand side of the garage. As such we had to make the hard decision to remove the carport, but we wanted the design to reflect the existing character of the original. The solution centered around the same bent roof notion but rotated it so that the left edge drew up, allowing us to accommodate a the specifications of today’s automobiles. The beam extensions, reintroduced, maintain the trellised feel of the original, with new frosted glass walls forming the boundary to the garage. The hope is that the soft internal lights of the garage will help light the path as one treks downward, creating a type of lantern for the residence. For the main residence we have kept with the original form but clipped the overhangs of the roof back to give it a clean, crisp feel. The window system is being replaced to meet today’s aesthetic and some new openings are being added, primarily on the view side, so that the ocean vista can be captured. The central courtyard is being maintained but cleaned up and augmented with more structured planters and a small water feature is being added to greet the guests. This is a low volume water feature and offers an infinity edge so that noise is kept to a minimum. Internally the home is removing all of the internal wall supports and reconfigured to create a master suite at the lower level, with an expanded bathroom, closet, and exercise room, all of which can spill out to the raised patio. At the main level one will find the primary living which allows us to create a connection between the Pacific Ocean beyond and the internal courtyard with a series of bi-fold doors that allow the home to convert into a hybrid pavilion. At the upper level a new guest suite is created that will also serve as an office and second living room. An internal stair of punch metal greats the guests as one captures views and light to the main living level down a half a flight and the guest suite up half a flight.

With the classic “good bones” this home was a delightful remodel as the best parts of the residence were magnified but with a enough latitude to allow a free hand to create a unique piece of architecture that better suited the new owners.

C.O.T.E. | Committee on the Environment

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