Stinson Beach, California

 

 

This design for this new residence on the beach over-looking the Pacific Ocean in the community of Stinson Beach, California, was derived from the curl of the waves as they break in the surf.  In plan view, the ocean and mountain facades incorporate a gently undulating S-curve that focuses one’s view down the coastline and softens the experience from the interior as well as the exterior.

 

The design was constrained by the Marin County Planning Department and Building Department and FEMA’s (Federal Emergency Management Agency) requirement to raise new construction above grade to avoid future disasters due to the rising oceans, heavy storms and flooding. 

 

Holey Associates’ proposed design the second project submitted to the Marin County Planning Department under the new regulations, which required the bottom of structure to be 8-feet above the grade resulting in challenging 11-foot overall height envelope for the residence.  The design team also developed an experimental septic system to meet the requirements of the County and sustain the potential impact for storms and rising seas.