de la costa

santa cruz, california + 3,300 square feet
architect | fuse architects inc.
contractor | Ekers Construction
details | integral color stucco, cedar siding, exposed concrete

Our client is a general contractor with experience designing and building homes for his family using a more traditional style. When they purchased a home in Santa Cruz a block from the famous surf break Steamers Lane, they wanted to embrace the beauty of the area. The existing home had small, compartmentalized rooms, only two of which benefited from natural daylight and a southern exposure. The family of four wanted to accentuate the beach views surrounding their home and eliminate the dungeon feel, that the back of the house and dining areas exuded. Careful architectural detailing and well-planned window orientations achieved the goal of ensuring that natural light filled the home. The existing kitchen and dining areas were located in the darkest northern corner of the house. The remodel incorporated many new windows and peeled back walls to allow sunlight into the previously dim recesses of the site. In addition to a final product that was welcoming to the neighbors, the result was a light-filled home with ample visual connection to the outdoor environment.