HA Residence
Conceived by Laney LA as a sanctuary for a family of four, the home is a fitting addition to the narrow lots of its seaside setting. “Located on a pedestrian-only walk street, the house is nestled among an eclectic mix of beach bungalows, contemporary structures and traditional coastal homes,” describes practice founder and project architect, Anthony Laney. In response to the constraints of this 250-square-metre site, the architecture reaches skyward in search of solitude and sweeping outlooks. “It’s a uniquely dense suburban environment. Neighbours are nearly within arms-reach, so privacy was a priority in the design,” he adds.
Traversing the sloping terrain, the three-storey dwelling presents an unconventional arrivals sequence – a fleeting ascent along an unassuming pathway that leads into the heart of abode. The house, in fact, offers a dual approach that is unique to this neighbourhood, instilling a sense of permeability. “First-time visitors must search for the formal entry, which is tucked away within a densely planted side yard,” explains Laney. “Guests enter onto the secluded second level of the home and are immediately ushered upstairs to the primary living domain.”
In celebration of a poetically honest assemblage, HA Residence by Laney LA is a compact beachside retreat overlooking the vast Pacific Ocean – a refined watchtower crowned by a soaring timber roof form.
Surveying the shores of Manhattan Beach, this Californian home finds solace at the meeting point between a fast-paced world and the restorative ease of introspection. A beacon for its beachside community, HA Residence demonstrates the beauty of reduction, where form and detail take precedence. This is a rigorous assemblage – a framework for the casual art of coastal living.
Soaring hemlock rafters provide a protective cover overhead – a poignant nod to the laid-back vernacular of this beachside locale, where the finesse of craftsmanship meets the quiet resolve of restraint. “The hypnotic rhythm of uninterrupted wood beams defines the character of the penthouse,” says Laney. “A warm glow is cast across the underside, shedding light beyond its eaves.” Recalling the modernist works of Rudolph Schindler, the rhythmic structure appears to rest on slender clerestory windows that frame vistas of the ever-changing ocean skies. A restrained palette of natural timber and weathered stone is punctuated by glossy granite benchtops and black metal frames, softened by sandy terrazzo slabs and tactile embellishments.
Escapism awaits at every turn in HA Residence. “A favourite spot is the ‘around-the-corner’ breakfast nook and outdoor balcony that doubles as a casual work zone, providing private northerly views toward Malibu,” describes Laney. Descending to the ground floor, a gym, health spa and beach room provide spaces for wellness and recreation. Tranquil gardens dissolve the building’s edges through hardy pockets of vegetation, set against a backdrop of board-formed concrete walls that encircle the outdoor realm.
Inspired by the pared-back beauty of an honest assemblage, Laney LA ensures HA Residence is a simple place of togetherness and warmth, sheltered beneath the reach of its outstretched roofline. As day turns to night, this coastal watchtower is enveloped in a gentle glow that radiates from within – a timeless beacon on the edge of the Pacific.
Architecture and interior design by Laney LA. Build by Baldwin Construction. Landscape design by Jones Landscape. Appliances by Gaggenau. Artwork by Anthony Pieters.
