The Cliff House

Set on a steep coastal cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this residence was conceived as the realization of a couple’s dream of living between mountain and sea—he a passionate surfer and sailor, she an avid cook and host—translating their daily rituals and aspirations into architecture.

The design draws inspiration from Frank Lloyd Wright’s concept of Prairie Architecture. As he stated, “No house should ever be on a hill or on anything. It should be of the hill.” The residence seeks to become an extension of the landscape.

A strong emphasis on horizontality allows the architecture to merge with the surrounding coastline and mountain ridges. Extended roof planes, deep overhangs, and continuous bands of glazing establish a strong dialogue with the horizon, framing distant ocean views while moderating solar exposure. The architecture dissolves the boundary between shelter and landscape, creating a sequence of spaces that engage light, wind, sky, and terrain throughout the day.

The material palette is rooted in the character of the site. Locally sourced stone forms the primary wall surfaces, visually grounding the home within its terrain. Continuous oak finishes, timber decking, and wood soffits introduce warmth and tactility throughout the living environment. Rather than relying on applied finishes, each material is allowed to express its inherent texture, weight, and weathering process, enabling the architecture to age gracefully and become increasingly integrated with its natural surroundings over time.

Building on a rocky coastal hillside presented significant technical challenges. The residence is supported by a deep-drilled pier foundation system that minimizes disturbance to the natural terrain while enabling expansive cantilevered terraces. Seismic resilience, stormwater management, coastal wind exposure, and salt-air durability were carefully integrated into the design, ensuring long-term performance while preserving the character of the landscape.

Ultimately, the project proposes a contemporary interpretation of coastal hillside living. More than a shelter, it is a place where mountain, ocean, light, and daily life converge—transforming the experience of dwelling into an ongoing dialogue with nature.