Project: Malibu Surf Retreat
Architecture: Kovac Design Studio
Interior Design: Elizabeth Dinkel
Location: Malibu, California, United States
Year: 2024
Photo Credits: Roger Davies
Designed by Kovac Design Studio, the Malibu Surf Retreat is a home that embodies the spirit of surfing and tropical relaxation. Commissioned by an avid surfer, this retreat reflects the client’s passion for the sport through its unique program elements, seamless indoor-outdoor design, and connection to the lush environment. Located in Malibu, California, the retreat takes full advantage of the coastal landscape, creating a space that feels like a permanent vacation.
A Surfer’s Dream Home
At its core, the Malibu Surf Retreat is designed for a lifestyle centered around surfing. The home features specialized spaces that cater to the surfer’s needs, including storage for a large quiver of boards, a work area for tuning and waxing boards, and a custom wetsuit closet. An outdoor shower, just steps from the primary bath, offers convenient post-surf care, while a golf cart garage houses carts for easy access to nearby surf breaks. Every detail of the home reflects the owner’s dedication to the sport, creating a functional yet luxurious environment.
Tropical Vibes with a Surf Shack Aesthetic
The exterior of the retreat is clad in reclaimed wood, evoking the ad hoc style of traditional surf shacks and tropical shade stands. The landscaping and interior courtyards further enhance the tropical feel, with lush plantings that blur the line between indoor and outdoor spaces. Inside, the main level of the home opens onto expansive terraces, offering stunning views of the ocean and bay. Wood terraces seamlessly transition into interior flooring, while large glass panels slide away, erasing the boundary between inside and out.
Outdoor Living at Its Finest
The design encourages outdoor living, with a variety of amenities that make the most of the Malibu climate and breathtaking views. An infinity-edge pool and spa invite relaxation, while a barbecue and trellis-covered outdoor dining area provide the perfect setting for entertaining guests. The outdoor spaces are designed to embrace the views and foster a connection to nature, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy the beauty of Malibu’s coastline.
Evening Entertainment and Connection to Nature
The lower level of the home offers spaces designed for evening entertainment. An intimate screening room, bar, and game area open onto a lower courtyard, maintaining the retreat’s strong connection to the surrounding nature. Whether inside or out, the design ensures that the natural environment is always within reach, enhancing the feeling of being at one with the landscape.
A Hidden Guest House Beneath the Putting Green
Perhaps the most surprising feature of the Malibu Surf Retreat is the hidden guest house, which lies beneath a putting green. This clever design doubles as a green roof for the guest space, keeping it completely out of view from the main house. Accessible via a descending staircase surrounded by tropical landscaping, the guest house reveals a panoramic ocean view, creating a secluded oasis where the feeling of vacation never leaves.
Conclusion: A Perfect Blend of Surf, Nature, and Luxury
The Malibu Surf Retreat by Kovac Design Studio is a masterful blend of surf culture, tropical aesthetics, and luxurious living. Every detail of the home reflects the client’s love for surfing and nature, while the design seamlessly integrates the indoors with the stunning Malibu coastline. With its unique features and thoughtful design, this retreat offers a sense of relaxation and escape, making it the ultimate surfer’s paradise.
