Project: Manhattan Beach Residence
Architects: Walker Workshop
Project Team: Noah Walker, Trent Laughton, Zachary Hoevet, Jonathan Nadel
Location: Manhattan, New York, United States
Size: 4300 SF
Completed: October 2016
Photographer: Noah Walker
Manhattan Beach Residence by Walker Workshop reimagines the typical narrow-lot home of Southern California, transforming constraints into striking architectural features. Just blocks from the ocean, this second project in Manhattan Beach showcases an inventive façade, an open interior core, and a tactile connection to reclaimed materials.
Context and Facade Strategy
First, Walker Workshop embraced the long, slender lot and strict zoning rules to craft a front elevation that feels dynamic rather than monolithic. Consequently, they arranged a series of staggered openings across three levels. On the lower two floors, doors neatly pocket into the walls, creating clean lines and unobstructed sightlines. Meanwhile, the top-level opening deliberately frames distant ocean views, inviting salt air and natural light deep into the home. Moreover, this layered composition gives the façade both rhythm and depth—qualities that stand out amid the uniform “pancake” rows common to the neighborhood.
Breaking the Pancake with a Double-Height Core
Inside, the design pivots around a dramatic double-height space located at the heart of the house. Here, the family study unfolds under soaring ceilings, immediately breaking up the flat, horizontal feel typical of nearby residences. Furthermore, this vertical connection allows daylight to penetrate multiple levels, fostering an uplifting atmosphere for work and play. As a result, the interior feels spacious and connected, while still respecting the lot’s narrow footprint.
A Tactile Staircase of Reclaimed Brick
Finally, Walker Workshop introduced a floating stair wall built entirely from reclaimed brick imported from China. The warm texture and irregular patina contrast beautifully with the home’s crisp lines, offering a tactile counterpoint to smooth plaster and glass. In addition, the visible mortar joints and varied brick hues lend an artisanal quality that celebrates both history and sustainability. Thus, every ascent becomes a sensory journey—one that honors craftsmanship in the Manhattan Beach Residence.
