Malibu Modern

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Standard Architecture designs a show-stopping structure in Little Dume

Cedar-clad ceilings and Travertine flooring begins at the entrance, creating a continual flow. Photos by Mike Kelley.
Photos by Mike Kelley.

“Our clients have been longtime residents of the Point Dume, Little Dume Beach neighborhood, and knew of this vacant neighborhood property. It is the first home developed on this lot,” says Standard Architecture founder and principal designer Silvia Kuhle about this marvelous 8,000-square-foot residence that sprawls across an expansive property located in the Little Dume Beach neighborhood of Malibu. “Organized as a series of white stucco volumes on the gently sloping side the home creates both, open patios, and intimate courtyards on all sides,” says Kuhle. “We designed a minimalist, beachy California home that embraces the outdoors, daylight and warmth.”

In the dining area, the Tonal chandelier by Bocci hangs from a Cedar-clad ceiling. Photos by Mike Kelley.
In the kitchen, the appliances are by Miele and Sub-Zero, the paint is Superwhite by Benjamin Moore and the table—designed by Standard—is made of butcherblock. Photos by Mike Kelley.

Aside from taking full advantage of the unobstructed views, the goal was to deliver the relaxed vibe that draws residents to Malibu. “Conceived as an oasis, the spaces are designed to be open and airy, and the finishes are elemental and natural,” Kuhle recalls. “Filtered daylight enters the home and direct sunlight reflects off the walls and pools outside.  The calm and tranquil environment created is that of a retreat, homeowners and visitors alike feel no need to leave.”

The custom breakfast nook features art by Petra Cortright and Ingo Maurer’s 5 chandelier sheds light on a Riftsawn oak bench upholstered in Saddle leather. Photos by Mike Kelley.

Standard’s overarching design intention was to make the structure’s roofs feel as if they are floating on the walls. The continuous high-clad wood ceilings create a volume and open flow allowing for uninterrupted glazing of the surrounding sky and distant mountain ridges. Kuhle recalls, “This was difficult to do on the sloping property with a strict 18ft height limit, which Malibu prescribes. We studied the existing topography and carefully integrated the flow of the house with the gently sloping ground.”

The hallway features two works by artist Ken Taylor Reynaga. Photos by Mike Kelley.

“We designed a long, transcending wall to create an axis below the floating rooflines, connecting the sweeping front and rear yards visually to the interior,” says Kuhle. “This enclosure frames the entry sequence leading from the motor court through the long, Aloe tree lined forecourt into the travertine and glass enclosed living room.”

Quantum’s wood windows and sliding doors in the Afromosia finish, allow the house to fully open to the outdoors.

The expansion continues on the other side of home, where an axial wall supports a line of bedroom suites that retain privacy due to the courtyards that separate each space.  “A guesthouse with its own entrance flanks the bedroom wing at the front, a short flight of stairs leads to the primary bedroom suite at the rear,” she notes. “The primary suite’s elevated placement opens views across the pool area towards the distant horizon while allowing for private outdoor areas.”

In the primary bathroom suite, Mystery White marble countertops is flanked by Riftsawn Oak cabinets. Photos by Mike Kelley.

The finished result presents a widespread configuration of conjoining rooms and outdoor spaces that meld into a modern marvel. When asked how her clients feel about their new home she remarks, “Our clients love the ‘resort style’, relaxed home we created with its open spaces, indoor-outdoor relationships, ample daylight, and warm natural finishes.”

A 50ft lap pool is aligned with the entry steps and open foyer. An infinity edge feeds water to the adjacent second leisure pool which extends out from the kitchen and family room wing. Photos by Mike Kelley.