Design Credit: @katemarkerinteriors @leocottage Photographer: @margaretrajic

Firmness . . . Santa Cruz’s historically eclectic Pleasure Point neighborhood has been evolving in its own quirky way for almost a century, and many of its inhabitants seem to have been around just as long. They cling to the relaxed and funky seaside character of their beach community with an almost indignant provinciality. For both client and architect, neighborhood context became the singular focus of the design; to become the “poster child” for compatibility and sustainability. Dozens of photos were taken of the surrounding area as inspiration, with the goal of honoring the idiosyncratic, fine-grained character and informal scale of a neighborhood built over time. A low, horizontal weathered ipe fence at the street keeps out surfer vans and neighborhood dogs, and a simple gate beckons visitors to stroll down the boardwalk which gently angles toward the front door. A rusted steel fire pit is the focus of this ground level courtyard, which is encircled by a curving cor-ten garden wall graced by a sweep of horse tail reeds and tufts of feather grass. Extensive day-lighting throughout the home is achieved with high windows placed in all directions in all major rooms, resulting in an abundance of natural light throughout. The clients report having only to turning on lights at nightfall. Notable are the numerous passive solar design elements: careful attention to overhangs and shading devices at South- and West-facing glass to control heat gain, and passive ventilation via high windows in the tower elements, all are significant contributors to the structure’s energy efficiency. Commodity . . . Beautiful views of Monterey Bay and the lively local beach scene became the main drivers in plan and section. The upper floor was intentionally set back to preserve ocean views of the neighbor to the north. The surf obsessed clients wished to be able to see the “break” from their upper floor breakfast table perch, able to take a moment’s notice advantage of some killer waves. A tiny 4,500 s.f. lot and a desire to create a ground level courtyard for entertaining dictated the small footprint. A graceful curving cor-ten and stainless steel stair descends from the upper floor living areas, connecting them to a ground level “sanctuary”. A small detached art studio/surfboard storage shack in the back yard fulfills functional requirements, and includes an outdoor shower for the post-surf hose down. Parking access off a back alley helps to preserve ground floor space, and allows in the southern sun on the view/courtyard side. A relaxed “bare foot beach house” feel is underscored by weathered oak floors, painted re-sawn wall finishes, and painted wood ceilings, which recall the cozy cabins that stood here at Breakers Beach for nearly a century. Delight . . . Commemorating the history of the property was a priority for the surfing couple. With that in mind, they created an artistic reproduction of the original sign that decorated the property for many decades as an homage to the “Cozy Cabins at Breakers Beach”, which now graces the foyer. This casual assemblage of local vernacular architecture has been informed by the consistent scale and simple materials of nearby cottages, shacks, and bungalows. These influences were distilled down to a palette of board and batt, clapboard, and cedar shiplap, and synthesized with bolder forms that evoke images of nearby Capitola Wharf, beach lifeguard towers, and the client’s “surf shack” program requirements. The landscape design takes its cues from boardwalks, rusted steel fire rings, and native grasses, all of which firmly tie the building to its local beach community. The locals have embraced it as one of their own. Architect - Noel Cross Architect Landscape Architect - Christopher Yates Interior Designer - Gina Viscusi-Elson Lighting Designer - Vita Pehar Design Contractor - The Conrado Company

Emily Followill

Tantallon natural thin stone veneer from the Quarry Mill gives this exterior porch a warm and inviting feel. Tantallon stone brings shades of gray, tan and gold with lighter hues to your natural stone veneer projects. The various textures of the Tantallon stones will add dimension to your space. This stone is great for large and small projects on homes and landscaping structures. Tantallon stones will look great in a rustic, country setting or a contemporary home with new appliances and electronics. This stone adds an earthy feel to any space.

the ground floor exterior of this amazing home is a peaceful retreat for after a day on the beach. You are able to relax outside listening to the Ocean after showering in the outdoor shower. One is able to take a break from the hot sun yet still smell the ocean and listen to the waves before retiring inside. A truly spectacular outdoor living "room"

Rigorberto Moreno

This classic shingle-style home perched on the shores of Lake Champlain was designed by architect Ramsay Gourd and built by Red House Building. Complete with flared shingle walls, natural stone columns, a slate roof with massive eaves, gracious porches, coffered ceilings, and a mahogany-clad living room; it's easy to imagine that watching the sunset may become the highlight of each day!

Modern oceanfront home designed by Architect, Douglas Burdge.

This charming coastal style home nestled under a canopy of oaks in the quaint community of Watermans Bluff in northeastern Florida is constructed with a narrow lot in mind. An expansive covered porch wraps two sides of the home and opens to the eat in kitchen and great room offering fabulous opportunities for entertaining. Shiplap accents on the large kitchen island are repeated above the fireplace in the great room giving the home a bit of a nautical flair. There are three bedrooms and a large bonus room upstairs with its own bath that could easily function as a fourth bedroom. The master suite occupies its own corner of the home with its expansive master bath and spacious walk in closet. Transom windows in the master bath allow the light to pour in while maintaining privacy. And his and her vanities are separated by a convenient bench seat.