Californian Cool – Pebble Beach by Feldman Architecture and Raili CA Design

Feldman Architecture and Raili CA Design weave a love of surfing and golfing into the fabric of a contemporary coastal retreat in California. Pebble Beach is the reworking of an existing 1970s-era home into an open and connected series of spaces that engage with the natural surrounds.

Drawn to the area due to the lifestyle and outdoor activities on offer, the owners of Pebble Beach wanted to ensure their home was anchored in a connection to place. The existing large spans and extensive glazing of the residence were the ideal base to build upon and provide sightlines out toward the ocean. The house’s ability to be opened up to bring natural ventilation inward was also key. Retaining the typified Californian aesthetic and sense of ease, a palette of light tones completes the project.

The exterior of Pebble Beach comes together in a visual symphony, featuring warm and textural stained timber panels against a base of concrete.

The exterior of Pebble Beach comes together in a visual symphony, featuring warm and textural stained timber panels against a base of concrete. The combination pays homage to a time-wearing and enduring local architectural language and feels both approachable and familiar. The western red cedar that encases the exterior form is combined with dark anodised metal accents. The aim was to maximise views and for the form to sit recessively within the natural landscape. In contrast, the interior is deliberately more vibrant – colour and a dynamism of finishes ensure each space feels animated and reflective of the owners.

In a reworking of the original plan, the kitchen is moved to a more central location and acts as an extension of the living area. The double-height space created as a result plays with notions of compression and release, allowing movement to feel natural and enhance connection. As the home faces towards the east, sweeping views of the rolling golf course lie in the distance, which the main bedrooms and retreat spaces take advantage of. Combining a library and workspace within the loft area, the openness allows a connection to the floor below to remain. Together with an additional guest space on the lower level, the garage increases amenity as well as a providing a home for a private golf cart.

Retaining the typified Californian aesthetic and sense of ease, a palette of light tones completes the project.

Pebble Beach feels lighter and more connective as a result of the new works. In expanding views and the ability to feel more immersed within the landscape, Feldman Architecture and Raili CA Design ensure an overlay exists that represents the owners and their love of golf and surfing.