The family of four, owners of this summer villa in a seaside town near Los Angeles, were pleased with the location but dissatisfied with its dated 1990s architectural style. They enlisted Blue Truck Studio to transform the building into a more understated and modern home.
The house features highly irregular geometric spaces, including octagonal rooms and triangular areas. The owners desired a simple design with a rustic charm, inspired by the homes in Northern California’s Sea Ranch community.
From the exterior, Blue Truck Studio reconfigured the windows and added wall panels that wrap around the house, streamlining its form and enhancing privacy. These custom polished panels are crafted from Alaskan yellow cedar, which will naturally weather to a soft gray, imparting a glossy texture reminiscent of Sea Ranch’s aesthetic.
The studio achieved a serene, open-plan interior with a fluid layout that emphasizes peacefulness.
Inside, the fireplace on one side of the living room was removed to open the space. French doors lead to two terraces, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor areas. A revolving door and two large sliding doors allow abundant natural light to flood the interior.
The cedar cladding painted white encircles the stairwell, visually connecting with the exterior cedar wall panels for a cohesive look.
This 3,770-square-foot residence in Manhattan Beach, California, took 14 months to complete. The family, rooted in the Los Angeles area, envisioned a home that was both welcoming for gatherings with friends and family and a tranquil retreat.
The four-bedroom house features a large entertainment area alongside a private living space, with numerous dedicated zones for relaxation and fun. Following the renovation of the garage, it now hosts a gaming area and an art studio. Additionally, the driveway was converted into a football field, complemented by an outdoor “flat noodles” shower for rinsing off after beach visits—highlighting the family’s love for outdoor living.
Project Drawings
▲ First Floor Plan
▲ Second Floor Plan
▲ Elevation View
▲ Elevation and Section Views
▲ Large Sample Nodes
▲ Main Entrance Material Research
▲ Side Study
Project Information
Project Type: Independent Residential Building
Location: Manhattan Beach, United States
Architectural Design: Blue Truck Studio
Year: 2019
Photographer: Gregg Segal
Manufacturers: Hansgrove, Graphisoft, Nemetschek, Exquisit Surfaces, Marvin, Duravit, Emtek, NakNak
Design Team: Eric Reeder, John Flaherty, Xuhan (Ben) Shi
Engineering: Palos Verdes Engineering
Landscape Design: Romana di Suvero
Construction: Bryan Bethem / Rough Workshop
Interior Design: Mary Valaika
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