This home takes indoor/outdoor living to the next level.
Perched atop a hill with uninterrupted views of the vast ocean is a home that transcends the meaning of integrated indoor/outdoor living. A combination of modernism perfectly blended with serene, spa-like features creates a pause to this couple’s busy lifestyle. It offers a relaxing retreat where they can unwind and enjoy the beauty of nature.
This stunning project was conceptualized by Horst Noppenberger, owner of Horst Architects. The simplicity of its floor plan and materials palette allows the property’s setting to take center stage—a design choice commonly used by the architect to anchor a house to nature.
“The goal was to create a very contemplative and minimalistic design that would allow the homeowners to appreciate the abundant nature around them,” Noppenberger explains. The primary materials used were concrete, wood, steel and glass. “The board-form concrete is a really earthy material that roots the house in the site, and it’s juxtaposed with a soft and tactile quality of wood. Those simple ingredients are endemic to this Mid-Century Modern architecture.”
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The architecture of this home is designed to lead the eye from any point in the home to the tranquil outdoor oasis that precedes priceless views of the Pacific Ocean. The pool is set between the outdoor entertainment area and the main living area, not only giving the illusion that the living space is floating above water but also creating a breezeway. Large, square stepping stones emerge from the pool and connect the main house to the grilling area.
Cedar decking ties the outdoor space to the wood accented exterior walls and roofline, further fostering the relationship between the indoor and outdoor spaces.
The home’s main living area is completely enclosed by sliding glass doors, which, when open, blur the line between indoors and out. The stone flooring extends beyond the living area to the outside, adding continuity to Noppenberger’s fluid design.
The courtyard is the nucleus of the residence, the hub for entertainment and recreation. An outdoor kitchen island, built-in grill, fire pit, lawn chairs and sculptures create an inviting environment ideal for hosting friends and family, relaxing with a glass of wine, and basking in the vibrant sunsets.
“It’s all about the negative space with this home,” Noppenberger points out. “This design is truly unique. The clients didn’t want a house that would be grand and overwhelming. Instead, they wanted their place to be discrete and have a certain level of intimacy.”
The interiors feature a neutral color palette and minimalist aesthetic, a design choice made by the homeowner to avoid distracting from the sprawling views beyond their walls.
“The homeowners and I worked together on the interiors,” Noppenberger notes. “They picked all the plumbing fixtures, light fixtures and furniture. The wife is very talented, and we worked together closely at every step of the design process.”
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The primary bathroom is another example of Noppenberger’s philosophy of a seamless transition between inside and out. Simple concrete walls create an earthy ambiance, while the dual shower, separated by a pane of glass, floods the room via skylights, giving the illusion that the bathroom has no roof and that you are bathing outside. Wood beams accent the shower, adding a touch of warmth. “The oak beams create this play of light and shadow,” Noppenberger adds. “It’s really a space where you can move freely and elegantly.”
Linear lighting plays a crucial role in bringing the home to life once the sun has set, from the lighting placed under the exterior stepping stones and integrated within the outdoor wood walls to the clever incorporation of linear lighting within the concrete walls. It guides you into the main living space and creates an ultra-modern feel.
The continuity of lighting between the outdoor courtyard and indoor setting ties both spaces together, making the home feel cohesive and complete. “The linear lighting helps create visual consistency and simplicity,” Noppenberger says. “It also helps to take away any distractions.”
This Southern California coastal residence exceeds the practical implementation of the indoor/outdoor relationship often seen in typical homes. It sets the stage for what is possible when combining creative design and a love for nature.
“In 25 years of working, this project is hands-down my favorite because it most closely resembles what I’ve always wanted to do,” Noppenberger remarks. “You don’t have to max out the envelope for homes to be impressive. Creating a home with a well-balanced interplay between interior and exterior spaces is just as important.”
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