Pacific Avenue Residence

Size:
Location:Manhattan Beach, CA
Designed By:

Kemple Architects

Winner of multiple architecture awards, this hilltop home was designed around the themes modern, coastal, and sanctuary. Its form reinterprets a beach shack with clean lines and a pitched roof; its materials echo driftwood and beach stone; and its spaces maximize daylight, openness, and human scale.

A central glass entry hall, skylights, and large openings create a bright, flowing environment and connect indoors with outdoors. Sustainability is central, with passive cooling, geothermal systems, and solar panels reducing environmental impact.

Designed for a large, community-oriented family, the residence offers a sanctuary-like atmosphere that captures the relaxed, connected feeling of beach living, even off the shore.

Modern two-story home with white vertical siding, dark-framed windows, and native landscaping under clear blue sky.

The story of this design began with two found objects and three inspirational words: modern, coastal, and sanctuary.

Modern white vertical-paneled home with black-framed windows and glass bridge, flanked by drought-tolerant landscaping

Perched on a hilltop in a coastal neighborhood, this residence reflects its owner’s appreciation for clean lines, visual simplicity, and quiet surprises.

Modern living room with gray sectionals, wood ceiling, moss wall art, and view into cozy reading nook with fireplace.

Modern – form: a modern interpretation of a beach shack with a pitched roof and a simplified expression of punched openings.

Modern living room with built-in entertainment center, floating staircase, and yellow butterfly artwork

Coastal – material: a soft palette of light natural stone and wood reflecting the smooth gray beach stone and aged driftwood.

Sanctuary – daylight, flow, and scale: a living environment with plentiful natural daylight and open, connected, differentiated spaces. A place sensitive to the human scale and considered from the public view using architectural and landscape design moves.

Light-filled upper landing with vertical cedar paneling, black metal stair railings, and textured white artwork
Upper floor landing with abstract tree artwork, exposed wood beam ceiling, and black railing overlooking white-clad exterior

“We don’t want the house to feel dark.”

The design is organized around a central glass entry hall. It, along with abundant skylights and large windows and doors, allows natural daylight to spill in. The two-story volume also announces the main entry and showcases the home’s monumental stairs.

Global Architecture u0026amp; Design Award

Global Architecture u0026amp; Design Award

Modern kitchen with taupe cabinetry, marble backsplash, brass fixtures, and large windows framing lush greenery outside.
Kitchen island with light wood drawers and marble top beside window overlooking lush green foliage

In addition to daylighting and passive cooling through the thermal chimney effect of the glass hall, the house uses a sizable geothermal system and PV array to minimize its environmental impact greatly.

Modern kitchen island with marble countertop, wine glasses, and pendant lights, with black-framed glass partition and staircase beyond

This is a place for a large family to thrive, a sanctuary to feel safe and connected with each other and their natural surroundings. Although not on the beach, it’s a place to feel that same “beach” feeling while at home.

Modern dining room with dark wood table, chandelier, and floating staircase with metal railings in background
Warm dining room with modern chandelier, wood table, leather chairs, and windows framing lush greenery outside.
Spa-like bathroom with light wood vanity, marble countertop, vanity mirror, and chevron-tiled shower enclosure
Modern freestanding bathtub beside window with wooden bath caddy, dried flowers, and natural light
Modern walk-in shower with veined marble walls, glass door, black fixtures, and wooden slat floor mat beside white towel.
Modern residential amenity space with glass-walled gym, marble kitchen island with bar seating, and bright hallway beyond
Custom kitchen cabinetry featuring mesh metal door panels, fluted glass, and natural wood with marble countertop detail.
Cozy reading nook with brown upholstered chair, white lamp, built-in shelving, and modern fireplace with dark surround.
Modern bathroom vanity with stone countertop, brass-framed mirror, black fixtures, and fresh tulips in white vase.
Compact kitchen with pale cabinetry, stone backsplash, and large window framing lush green foliage outside
Modern laundry room with stacked Whirlpool washer-dryer, navy cabinetry, woven storage baskets, and floral wallpaper.