A Galvanised Jewel: Pacific Coast House
“A house should be of the hill, not on the hill.”
― Frank Lloyd Wright
Pacific Coast House is a sanctuary for a writer of books, set in Northern California’s dramatic landscape. Embedded into the ridge, the home presents a two-storey facade on arrival, while a single-storey wing extends into the terrain. The northern wing offers a private space for rest and reflection, while the southern living area flows across the hillside, following the natural contours and embracing the panoramic views.
We envisaged a home where our client could write in any room, following the shade or the sun around the house depending on their need for atmosphere and solitude. This flexibility allows for a dynamic and inspiring environment that changes with the light and the writer’s mood.
The house is clad in recycled galvanised steel, its surface mirroring the tones of the coastal mists. Within the mist, the building’s tectonic facade, with its specular colour reality, dematerialises, blurring the lines between architecture and nature. This material choice not only integrates the house into its surroundings but also reflects a commitment to sustainability.
Designed as a zero-energy home, Pacific Coast House features concealed photovoltaic panels on the roof and triple-glazed windows for maximum energy efficiency and comfort. The home functions independently, generating and storing harvested power, minimising its environmental impact.
Northern California’s sea mists become part of the experience at Pacific Coast House, softening its form and blending the boundaries between home and nature. It is a place for contemplation and creativity, where the built and natural worlds exist in harmony.
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