VILLA AZUL
Villa Azul is located in the coastal community of Laguna Beach, California. This enchanting, hillside site reveals commanding views of the Pacific Ocean. Some of the most pristine beaches and rocky coves are located within walking distance of this site.
The site development is composed of an approximately 3,000 sq. ft., main house, along with an approximately 1,000 sq. ft., detached Casita. Landscaped courtyards with drought tolerant, native Californian trees and vegetation provide abundant, usable outdoor living and a privacy buffer to adjacent properties. The residence is entered from the top of the site via a wood bridge suspended over a reflecting pond and waterfall. The Casita is located beneath an infinity edge lap pool, containing living and sleeping spaces, opening to a vast garden. An acrylic floor in the pool invites the dappled play of natural light into the Casita. The upper floor of the main house is composed of a two-car Garage, along with the principal living spaces; Entry, Kitchen, Dining and Family rooms. A large two-story volume, adjacent to the Entry connects the two levels of the residence with a sculptural, spiral staircase. These interior spaces flow seamlessly into a Covered Outdoor space. The lower level of the Main house contains the private, sleeping spaces; a large Master Suite, and two Guest Bedrooms. The Master Suite includes a bathing area from which ocean views are available, along with an abundant walk-in closet. All of the rooms at this level have ocean views and are open to a pool deck. A 42 ft. long, infinity edge lap pool is located along the edge of this deck.
Villa Azul, while being minimalist in design, is decidedly a relaxed family beach house. The principal materials of Ocean Silver Travertine, marine grade cedar, concrete, glass and steel allude to the natural colors and textures abundant along the coastline. This tactile, warm material palette enhances a relaxed, comfortable setting to engage with family and friends, while also enjoying the views and natural surroundings of the site. The benign coastal climate creates the opportunity for the seamless integration of interior and exterior space. The open plan and interior spatial configuration promote flexibility and transformation. Materiality and form were informed by the ethos of modernism to strip away the extraneous, leading to a timeless sense of architecture. All of these ingredients merge to instill in Villa Azul a sense of meditation where one can contemplate the ocean and sky.
