Manhattan Beach House Natural Connection

Inspired by the Japanese concept of Tokonoma, an idea based on always having a display area or a decorative scene to anchor each room, the design team set out to create a series of view spaces and an internal landscape drawing the garden into the interior.

Previously, the Manhattan Beach home was very closed off from other rooms and the outdoor space. Opening it up was not only for aesthetic reasons, but to make it a more functional family home.

The purple, red and yellow stucco, was replaced for a more neutral colour palette, reinforced by the use of timbers, natural stone, and lush foliage. Pops of colour came through the homeowner’s artwork, furniture and planting, adding further drama to the space.

The indoor green wall injects colour, texture, and nature into the rooms which surround the courtyard. The views out to greenery continue as you wander through the house and outside into the garden designed by Rob Jones Landscape.

The rear rendered façade has been broken up the choice of stone cladding and expansive stairs which anchor the home within the garden. A tranquil pool surrounded by grass radiates sophistication and beckons you in for a dip. Cleverly framing the neighbour’s flowering tree, the design team have taken every opportunity to maximise the home’s outlook.

Flanked by large palm trees, the front of the house appears to nestle down amongst a lush planting providing a tropical vibe and an envious street frontage.

Remodelling an existing home no doubt has it’s challenges, however it appears no compromises have been made with the design of this project.

See more of this Manhatten Beach project and others by Subu Design and Architecture here.

Photography: Manolo Langis