This multi-generational house was built to replace a small family getaway that burned down in one of Malibu’s
fires. The family challenged us to create a virtual Swiss army knife of a house; one that could fetch top dollar in
the rental market, accommodate the multi-generational family for gatherings, and become a primary residence
for one of the married children and her growing family several years down the road. We responded with a
simple, east coast saltbox hybrid with anchor structures at the front and rear and a notched-out circulation
corridor in the middle. This notch created a wind shaded courtyard surrounded by Romeo and Juliet balconies
from the upstairs suites to offset the exposed yet dynamic beachfront “outdoor room”. A simple, beach theme
was used to inform the finishes throughout the house.
