sunset beach mixed use

sunset beach, california + 1,766 square feet residence / 1,310 square feet retail
architect | fuse architects inc.
details | glass railing, exposed concrete, metal panels

When this client approached the firm with a site that was deemed unbuildable, we knew we had a significant challenge on our hands. The potential was there: the ocean views were amazing from this location at Sunset Beach on the Pacific Coast Highway. The project evolved to incorporate a retail store on the ground level and a two story residence above. The dimensions of the lot were constrained to 30’ x 90’, which proved very narrow when combined with ordinances for car space. The county parking requirements restricted the design potential of the site to the point it was determined (by others) to be unbuildable. A solution to this quandary came in the form of a car lift which was designed to bring cars from the ground floor to the upper floor. In this way, the lower retail zone and upper residential area were able to coexist in the same building. The final result is a visible retail location accented by a private residence above, complete with a rooftop pool and parking area.