Bodega Bay Harbor Residence 2

This residence in the Bodega Harbor development is proposed new construction on a lot with two existing residences on either side.  The house is situated with the front taking full advantage of unobstructed coastal ocean views, and an active golf course fairway directly behind.  Our design approach was to create a structure that would marry the golf course green and ocean views while maximizing the natural light from these vantage points. The feeling of the lot is a wind tunnel, which creates a directional axis to the site.  The client wanted a house with a modern aesthetic, large social spaces, and three private bedroom suites.  This was achieved by creating two elongated, seemingly separate structures, one housing private bedroom suites and the other the more open, social spaces of great room and kitchen.  These two structures are joined by a central hallway with a roof of glass, glazed entry at the front and double height window at the back, creating a visual corridor that not only ties together the duality of the green and ocean views but also brings natural light to the core of the house, creating a sense of place.  At the back of the central hallway is the staircase to the lower level which is home to a two car, tandem garage, laundry room, two en-suite bedrooms with ocean views and an additional gathering space with a small side courtyard.  Materials proposed are local basalt stone, weathered wood siding, other natural stones, wood, and glass.

Design Challenge

Situated on a lot with residences on either side, the design challenge was to maximize natural light while maintaining privacy from the adjacent neighbors.  The client also wanted ocean views from all of the main spaces.  These challenges were resolved with the incorporation of a skylight (glass roof) that slices through the spine of the house.  At the sides of the residence, we used a language of slots of glass, often punctuated by wood slats that give privacy while bringing in light.  The kitchen, located at the rear of the house, has a backsplash window that creatively brings in natural light while opening a view to the green.  Locating the main stairs in the rear of the house further opens up the views and connects the two floors, where the views are tied between the ocean and the golf course, giving the house more balance and connection to the landscape.  Another challenge was to create spaces that feel large, spacious and modern while still working within the constraints of the guidelines put forth by the Bodega Bay Harbor Association.

Physical Context

The house was sited to capitalize on the views and natural light while maintaining privacy from the neighbors.  The exterior materials of weathered siding and local stone were chosen to work with the natural surroundings and are within the guidelines set by the association.  At the interior, we created a luxurious and modern feeling with a selection of materials that blend with the natural environment, are enhanced by natural light during the day and creative lighting design in the evenings.  Strategic use of windows and skylights were used to maximize the natural light, open the house from front to back and frame the gorgeous views.