A Beach House Drenched in Modernity
The client was looking to move to the oceanfront walk streets in Manhattan Beach. They settled on an existing duplex built in the 1940s and hired Abramson Architects to convert the outdated stucco box into a modern dream home. Since the home is close to neighbors and an active pedestrian zone, it was important to introduce additional natural light while preserving the owners’ privacy.
The public entry sequence pulls you through the front garden, leading to the main entry which sits on the side of the home.
A custom-designed walnut and stainless steel door opens into a two-story foyer. Inside, a ledge above the door holds an antique water wheel. This wheel is backlit with a large window adjacent to it. Top floor skylights add dramatic light which filters down a multi-tiered staircase.
By combining the existing two units, the new home now has increased length in the living spaces on the main floor. The central two-story kitchen is washed with light from multiple skylights, which also filter into the adjoining living and dining rooms. Custom white and walnut cabinetry in the kitchen create both expanse and composition. Accordion style glass doors were installed on the lower floor that open up to form an indoor-outdoor space with the garden.
On the third floor, the master bedroom occupies the ocean view corner, while an open passage leads through the master bath with intricate architectural detail. This path continues across the bridge, looking into the living spaces below, and finally ending at the access to the roof deck.