Mecox Bay

A spectacular but compact waterfront site with relatively close adjacent structures, tight and irregular building setbacks and an extreme exposure to the prevailing weather provided a fantastic beginning to the creation of a weekend retreat for a single father, his family and now their ever present guests. Flood zone requirements demanded that the structure be substantially elevated above the ground, which enhanced the already spectacular views. A three-story wood louvered screen wall adjacent to the front door creates a theatre of changing shadows and glimpses of life within. The main floor, open on three sides to capture views and light, seamlessly connects a modest infinity edge pool and stone patio to the bay and ocean beyond. A stark contrast to the open main floor, the compact second floor provides five private family and guest bedrooms with decks and views. Low maintenance, carefully detailed materials were chosen for tolerance of the harsh exposure including cement panel rain screen siding, glass and metal doors and windows, and vertical grain cedar siding. Sustainability, important to both owner and architect, was addressed through the use of energy modeling, radiant heat, a substantial solar panel array, hybrid insulation package, high performance glass, LED lighting and carefully sourced finish materials. Native, drought tolerant landscaping was utilized to firmly connect the site to its natural surroundings.