Framing the Pacific Ocean views

Perched on a steep site, architect Michael Goorevich reconfigured this Malibu home to incorporate a large terrace surrounding a new infinity pool. Heavily exposed to the elements, the outdoor area required a form of shade and planting to surround the home that would survive the conditions.

“The project brings together light, shade, water and sky in an effort to blur the distinctions between wet and dry, here and there, inside and outside, above and below” said Goorevich.

Contemplating the site and the existing architecture of the home, Goorevich said is was important to not only connect the design with its natural context, but also construct an addition that spoke to the architectural context.

“Invoking the midcentury spirit of Craig Ellwood and the unabashed bravado of John Lautner, the new project hovers above its hillside site as an assertive object and a quite frame,” states Goorevich.

The terrace has been designed in an L-shape allowing for one side to extend beyond the horizontal plane and out over the hillside. This creates a visual frame from within the house directing your eye straight out to the Pacific Ocean.

Contemplating the site and the existing architecture of the home, Goorevich said is was important to not only connect the design with its natural context, but also construct an addition that spoke to the architectural context.

“Invoking the midcentury spirit of Craig Ellwood and the unabashed bravado of John Lautner, the new project hovers above its hillside site as an assertive object and a quite frame,” states Goorevich.

The terrace has been designed in an L-shape allowing for one side to extend beyond the horizontal plane and out over the hillside. This creates a visual frame from within the house directing your eye straight out to the Pacific Ocean.

To avoid interrupting the view, Goorevich has designed a simple glass banister to wrap around the perimeter of the terrace. Low, light furniture provides ample setting without distracting from the scenery. The placement of the pool could have not been more perfect as a subtle line of the pool’s edge divides the two bodies of blue water.

“In this way we learned how to build next to the sea.”

To provide shade, Goorevich has designed an arbour of clean-lined wooden slates which allows the sun to filter through.

The garden designed by landscape architect Stephen Billings, hugs the hillside and introduces a soft grey and green colour palette. Cleverly a creeper has been allowed to scale it’s way by the framework of the terrace. Overtime the terrace will appear to sit above a dense planting of greenery.

While an engineering feat, this simple pared back design ensures the real star of the show is the main feature.

To see more of this design by Michael Goorevich head here.