The Sea Ranch is a community of homes built along California’s rugged coast, about 100 miles north of San Francisco that exemplifies the iconic coastal modern architectural style. Established in 1964, The Sea Ranch is based on a simple, enlightened architectural philosophy: each structure in the community should respond to the specific conditions and placement within its environment, but also respond to one another in such a way that they become a cohesive group. Many notable architects have contributed to the early residential designs that gave the area its unified architectural style. DNM Architecture is proud to have already contributed one home to the community, and we are very pleased to share our next Sea Ranch home here.

Based on a previously approved preliminary design for the site by architect Lou Bieker, the house is organized into three major blocks aligned along an east-west axis extending from the entry to the private spaces. The larger central block, containing the major living space and a guest suite, is itself aligned on a transverse north-south access that terminates on beautiful views of meadows, Monterey Cypress groves, and the Pacific Ocean beyond. The structures are clad in Delta Millworks ThermoWood Spruce plank siding with dark metal Fleetwood window frames to timelessly blend into the landscape while respecting stay true to the community’s original 1960s coastal modern design standards. The roof is a warm muted GAF Timberlline Shadowline Series shingle. True to The Sea Ranch architectural tradition, it “lives lightly on the land.”

Inside, the spaces flow from the home’s sheltered entry point on the east past the spacious and open plan Living and Kitchen area to the private office and primary suite. The Living area opens to generous views of gentle meadows and riparian hollows. A sheltered terrace cradled in the : shape of the house doubles the living area on warm days (cold ones too). Interior finishes are simple, warm and contemporary, emphasizing wood clad tall ceilings with clerestory windows. An EPA approved wood pellet stove in the Living room provides both warmth and a focal point.

The house will employ innovative heating strategies, including radiant floor heating from electric hot water tanks connected to solar panels and a back-up battery system. There is no gas or propane in the project. Thanks to highly insulated walls and roofs, passive design features, a planned 7KwH solar array with battery back-up, energy efficient appliances and lighting, the home is designed to achieve a net-zero energy use.