Malibu Residence

The story of this project began over 50 years ago with a father and son. Both were artists by trade and enjoyed making things. By their own hands, they constructed the original 2,600 sq ft, single-story home over a six-year period. It was part residence and part studio.

Our client, who loved the remote character of this northern Malibu property and its three-minute stroll to the beach, fell in love with the story. She purchased it from the surviving son and inherited its love-birthed history. The home was designed by an artist, and our client recognized that its odd roofline and idiosyncratic studio residence layout needed the skill of an architect to unleash its potential and make it its best self, for her.

We softened the roofline and added a central hallway spine to create a sense of hierarchy and announce entry, as well as bring natural daylight into the heart of the home. To maximize the experience of place, we added a second-level Owner suite facing west toward the Pacific Ocean, serving as a retreat with a view.

As a lover of art herself, with an extensive collection of sculpture, it was important that the home be an expression of varied and tactile materials, in particular our use of Corten steel cladding. Not only is it durable on the exterior, its color, leathery sheen, and rough feel delight the senses.

The architectural Main Stair was conceived as a solid block of wood that, just as a sculptor approaches their medium, is a carved-out wood monolith creating its form. Below it, the void was filled with a celebrated glass display of wine.

With its modernized features, environmentally friendly footprint, and new architectural language, this once artist’s residence is now a sanctuary for family gathering, community, and indoor-outdoor living among various collections of art that are personally and deeply meaningful.